MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee law enforcement will be out in force on the Fourth of July weekend to help prevent accidents and traffic deaths, especially in the Memphis area.
Shelby County led the state in traffic deaths in 2023, according to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.
In response to that, local agencies formed a task force featuring members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Memphis Police Department, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and other traffic safety partners.
Tuesday, they announced their “No More On 64” initiative, where they will spend 64 hours from July 5 to July 7 increasing traffic enforcement along U.S. Highway 64 from Memphis to the North Carolina border. That enforcement will include more officers and deputies patrolling the highway and more DUI crews and checkpoints.
“A bologna sandwich, a fruit cup, a bag of chips and a carton of jungle juice,” said Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. “That will be your meal at the Shelby County Jail if you’re arrested for DUI.”
Buddy Lewis of the Tennessee Highway Safety Office said that because of steps the task force has already taken, Shelby County has seen 29 less traffic deaths compared to this time in 2023.