Tennessee Highway Patrol celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with Blue Lights

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Tennessee Highway Patrol is increasing its visibility during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

THP Col. Tracy Trott says troopers were to increase visibility and traffic safety enforcement efforts beginning at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday and conclude at midnight on Wednesday.

He says troopers will utilize traffic enforcement tools, such as sobriety and seat belt checkpoints, saturation patrols and bar and tavern checks.

Last year, four people were killed in vehicular crashes during the 48-hour holiday period. One of the traffic fatalities occurred in an alcohol-related crash, while none of the four individuals killed were wearing safety restraints.

The THP arrested 54 individuals on suspicion of impaired driving and issued 416 seat belt citations statewide during last year’s St. Patrick’s Day holiday.