Rutherford County Traffic Safety Task Force officers will focus on dangerous drivers during “Operation Impact 24: Interstate 24 for 24 Hours” Friday, March 12 on I-24 throughout the county.

They will join other agencies enforcing traffic laws from midnight to 11:59 p.m. from Montgomery County through Hamilton County where I-24 is located during the 24-hour campaign.

This is the first enforcement effort on I-24 in every county from Kentucky to Georgia.

Lt. Jon Officer of the Tennessee Highway Patrol said officers will concentrate on drivers who drive dangerously, text and drive and drive while impaired with an emphasis on commercial vehicles.

“The mission of this operation is to promote safe driving behaviors and be visible in areas that have been consistent problem areas for crashes and citizens’ complaints,” Officer said. “The operation intends to make a positive impact on the driving behaviors of those we encounter.”

Nine people died and 211 people suffered injuries from traffic crashes last year on I-24 in Rutherford County.

THP Lt. Bill Miller said “Operation Impact 24” will cover one of the busiest stretches of interstates in Tennessee in partnership with THP troopers and law enforcement officers in each county.

“If we can impact the reduction of hazardous moving violations, distracted driving and make commercial vehicles and all traffic safer, then we will succeed,” Miller said. “However, to be truly successful, we will need drivers to cooperate.”

Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office will join THP on the interstate, Smyrna Police will focus their efforts in the areas of Sam Ridley Parkway and Almaville Road near I-24 and La Vergne Police plan to participate.