Updated 12/18/19

Three Tennessee Highway Patrol officers visited WKSR Bonus Hour today (Wednesday) to interact with the audience about safety on the upcoming holiday season.

Lieutenant Chris Dye, Sergeant Chris Hannah and Commander Wayne Sellers said if people would comply with the law then they would not have to enforce it.

District Commander Wayne Sellers said he has a safety concern in the 11 counties they cover.

Charged with increasing public awareness of highway safety issues, the Special Programs Unit conducts a wide range of activities aimed at saving lives and reducing injuries on Tennessee roadways.

Sellers said in Giles County one of his concerns is distracting driving. "Drivers are looking down at their phones in the vehicle or talking on the phone which is against the law," he added.

The officers said checkpoints in the area are not random and all checkpoint dates are publicized.

Dye explained the reason troopers sit at the Frankewing exit on I-65 interstate was because it is a high volume of traffic at that location and be closer to interstate when an accident or call happens.

During phone calls on the Bonus Hour, the officers answered concerned citizens about who was responsible when animals were on the road and turning around from a double line street.

WKSR has invited the officers to return every month to discuss safety and issues with the audience. Citizens can email questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call WKSR that morning.