Updated: September 3, 2018

With thousands of drivers traveling across Middle Tennessee this Labor Day, officials of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, are once again warning the public to not drink and drive.

The THP in the Lawrenceburg district confirmed alcohol-related motorcycle deaths are increasing in their area. Nine motorcyclists have died in that area and 78 percent of those crashes were involved with alcohol.

Lt. Chris Dye stated that “People need to take more responsibility for those who enjoy rides on these two-wheel machines” and wants the increase of biker deaths to come to an end. He adds that inexperienced drivers and not having the proper equipment, can cause this upward swing and that these statistics are more than just numbers. They represent people whose families’ lives are forever changed.

THP officials will be out this Labor Day conducting several sobriety and seatbelt checkpoints