Through the end of July, the Knoxville Police Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol will team up to conduct enhanced, high-visibility traffic enforcement in an effort to prevent fatal crashes.  

That initiative will run through July 31^st and focus specifically on state routes in and around Knoxville, including I-40, I-75, Broadway Street, Pellissippi Parkway, Magnolia Avenue, Clinton Highway and Chapman Highway.  

“Keeping the roads safe is one of our top priorities,” Chief of Police Paul Noel said. “We will be vigorous and visible in our efforts to eliminate the reckless or careless behavior that makes the roads less safe. I appreciate our partners at THP for linking arms with us to deter serious, life-altering crashes.”  

As of July 26, there have been 30 fatal crashes in Knoxville with a total of 31 deaths, which is well ahead of last year’s pace. At the same time in 2022, there were 19 fatal crashes with a total of 19 deaths.  

The 2023 total includes five pedestrian fatalities and five motorcycle fatalities.  

Nearly 25 percent of this year’s fatal crashes have happened on either I-40 or I-75. Other roads with multiple fatal crashes this year include Magnolia Avenue (4), Chapman Highway (3), Alcoa Highway (2) and Broadway Street (2).  

Of the 21 fatalities so far in 2023 that were not pedestrians or motorcyclists, nearly 50 percent were not wearing seatbelts.  

The Knoxville Police Department reminds motorists to obey the rules of the road, reduce distractions and pay attention, slow down, buckle up and never drive while under the influence.  

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be conducting an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) compliance checkpoint on the Campbell County section of the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area on July 28, 2023, from 4-11 p.m.  

The checkpoint will be conducted in the Asbury’s Gate vicinity of Walnut Mountain on the Sunquist Unit.  Hooved animal riding, bicycling, and OHV use is permitted only by individuals possessing a valid hunting and fishing license and WMA permit, or a High Impact Conservation Permit.  Officers ask that you please be safe while riding the trail system and be mindful of and courteous to other riders.  Riders under the age of 18 are required to wear helmets while riding on the WMA.

An investigation is underway following an early morning fatal multi-vehicle crash on Clinton Highway in Anderson County which closed the road for hours.

Tennessee Highway Patrol confirming a motorcyclist died in the crash which happened at Old Clinton Highway.

The road has partially re-opened as of noon (7/27)