Chief: Bristol Tennessee traffic crashes up 32 percent in 2021

Bristol Tennessee Chief of Police Matt Austin says traffic crashes in the city increased by 32 percent in 2021 and is one factor in increasing enforcement patrols.

Last year’s crash total ended with 1,173 wrecks compared with a three-year average of 889. Austin said four people were killed and 224 injured in those crashes and eight pedestrians were struck by vehicles.

The traffic crackdown will include increasing enforcement for speeding, improper child safety restraint, and making sure drivers comply with the state’s hands-free statute that prohibits handheld cell phone use while driving.

(IMAGE: J. Olsen / Bristol Broadcasting Company News)