WATCH: JCPD announces multi-jurisdictional I-26 safety effort
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) announced a multi-jurisdictional initiative to improve safety on Interstate 26.
On Friday, Chief Billy Church with the JCPD announced the “A Safer 26 in ’24” initiative that will include partnerships with law enforcement agencies throughout the region.
Since 2022, 779 crashes have happened in Johnson City and nine resulted in fatalities, Church said. Every day an estimated 70,000 vehicles travel through Johnson City on I-26.
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Church said the “A Safer 26 in ’24” campaign focuses on raising awareness, educating drivers and saving lives.
“Following too closely, speeding, distracting or impaired driving are the top causes of the 779 [Johnson City] crashes reported from 2022 until now,” Church said.
One of the measures as part of the campaign is implementing more law enforcement patrols on I-26.
“More law enforcement teams will be present on I-26, Church said. “This is not a campaign to write citations, it’s a campaign to ensure the well-being of our residents and to help save lives.”
The following law enforcement agencies and transportation officials are partnering with the JCPD in the campaign:
Tennessee Highway Patrol
Washington County, Tennesse Sheriff’s Office
Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office
Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office
Kingsport Police Department
Erwin Police Department
Carter County Sheriff’s Office
Tennessee Department of Transporation
Tennessee Highway Safety Office
The public is asked to help in the initiative by watching speeds, taking their time, sharing roads, not following too closely, limiting distractions and being respectful to other motorists.
To learn more about the “A Safer 26 in ’24” campaign, click here.
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