On Monday morning, Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett joined local police chiefs, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the Tennessee Highway Safety Office to announce the new Hamilton County Traffic Task Force.
This collaborative task force, made up of state, county, and local law enforcement, will work to increase public awareness of the risks vehicle crashes pose to pedestrians. By leveraging data and community input, the group will identify priorities for crosswalks and other safety improvements to reduce injuries and incidents.
The initiative also seeks to address distracted driving, impaired driving, and reckless behavior. Community engagement is essential, as lasting change depends on a shared commitment to safer streets.
“The most important partner in this task force is you, the public we serve. We cannot achieve our goals of reducing crashes and saving lives without your commitment to safe driving practices and support. We prefer to bring awareness to these issues through educational initiatives. However, if we don’t reach you through education, you can rest assured, we will reach you through enforcement,” stated Sheriff Garrett.
Remember to stay hands-free when using your phone while driving, pay attention to your surroundings, slow down and move over for vehicles on the side of the road, and keep an adequate distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. These are just a few simple ways to help make a difference.
- Tennessee Highway Safety Office
- Tennessee Highway Patrol
- Chattanooga Police Department
- East Ridge Police Department
- City of Red Bank
- Erlanger
