JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — As the festivities of New Year’s Eve fade into memory, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is taking a moment to reflect on its efforts over the past year while setting its sights on new goals for the future.

State Trooper Jacob Tizzard detailed the comprehensive strategies employed by the THP to ensure driver safety during the New Year’s celebrations. “We implemented visible patrols and targeted enforcement,” Tizzard explained. “Our focus was on monitoring hazardous driving behaviors and encouraging drivers to slow down, ensuring everyone could reach their destinations safely.”

One of the key priorities for the THP was curbing incidents of impaired driving. Tizzard highlighted the proactive measures taken in this regard. “We conducted sobriety checkpoints to deter and identify drunk drivers,” he noted. “This was all part of our commitment to safeguarding the motoring public.”

Tizzard also said THP worked to stop drunk drivers.

“We’re also doing like some sobriety checkpoints to ensure people weren’t driving impaired to ensure the safety of the motoring public,” Tizzard said.

Tizzard said these methods were increased throughout 2025, which led to fewer fatal crashes compared to the year before.

“We have to be visible, we have to patrol, and we have to address those hazardous moving violations and keep everybody safe,” Tizzard said.

Tizzard also credits the public for the positive results.

“They are changing their driving behavior,” Tizzard said. “They’re slowing down. They’re being more patient, and they’re being cautious.”

Tizzard said that it will take continued education and everyone doing their part to continue to decrease fatal crashes as the Tri-Cities enters 2026.

“Everybody plays an important role in bringing down these crashes, and we’re all doing our part, and it’s showing,” Tizzard said. “We just want to make sure that people are listening to us because it does work and then taking those proper enforcement steps to make sure that everybody can get where they need to go safely.”

Tizzard said wearing a seatbelt and not driving impaired can help continue to decrease fatal crashes.