Reducing traffic fatalities and crashes on U.S. Highway 70 will be the goal of Rutherford County Sheriff’s deputies joining other officers statewide in the “Safe on Seventy” campaign through Friday.

Three deputies will patrol on U.S. Highway 70 today through Friday, said Cpl. Michael Rodgers. 

“We will be looking for any violations and the deputies will be working on Broad Street primarily,” Rodgers said.

Deputies are asking drivers to: 

• Refrain from texting and driving.
• Obey the speed limit.
• Buckle up seat belts for everyone in the car.
• Get a designated driver if you plan to drink and drive.
• Pay attention to your driving and other drivers.

Deputies are partnering with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office and other law enforcement agencies in the “Safe on Seventy" campaign.

Law enforcement agencies will focus on distracted driving, aggressive drivers, speeders, lack of seatbelt use and commercial vehicle safety. 

This is the first time the THP has teamed up with local law enforcement to ensure travelers will see increased patrol along the highway.

“Safe on Seventy is a new, strategic initiative designed to target one of Tennessee’s most problematic highways,” said THSO Director Vic Donoho.

“Using statewide crash data, Tennessee’s Integrated Traffic Analysis Network Division identified Tuesdays and Fridays between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. as high-crash periods on Highway 70,” Donoho said. “We encourage all roadway users to exercise caution and drive safely as we work to decrease the number of serious injury and fatal crashes that occur on Highway 70 during this timeframe.”