After record-setting reductions in the number of highway fatalities in Tennessee, the state is now seeing a dramatic increase in crash deaths so far in 2012.

Preliminary reports show 288 people have died on Tennessee roadways from January 1 through April 27, 2012. During the same period last year, there were 27 fewer crash fatalities across the state.

As of this week, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will begin running a daily roadway fatality count on overhead Dynamic Message Signs in the state’s urban areas, along with targeted safety messages reminding motorists to wear their seatbelts, obey the speed limit, and to not text and drive.

“Bottom line – this is an unacceptable increase, and I think it’s important that drivers know just how many people have already died on our roadways this year,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “It’s my hope that seeing this number will be a sobering reminder to all motorists and will help change the behaviors that contribute to these deadly crashes.”

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