TDOT Hoping Daily Fatality County Will Reduce Deadly Crashes

(Memphis) TDOT is hoping a morbid message will encourage motorists to drive safer on Tennessee roadways.

This week it began posting daily crash fatality counts on highway message boards across the state.

Over the last several years, Tennessee has seen a record reduction in the number of highway fatalities, but this year there has been a dramatic increase.

During the first four months of 2012 there were 288 roadway deaths.

That’s 27 more than the same period last year.

Along with the daily fatality count, TDOT is putting up messages reminding drivers to wear their seatbelts, obey the speed limit and not to text and drive.

TDOT is hoping the reminders will change bad behaviors behind the wheel.

Drivers we talked to think it’s a good idea.

“It will make them think,” said Kristen Howard.

About half of the people killed in accidents this year in Tennessee were not wearing a seatbelt.