If drivers feel like Tennessee is already tough on drunk driving, then in the next year drivers will probably feel even more so like they can't escape the suspicious eyes of traffic patrols. A recent report reveals good news for the state with regards to traffic safety, news that law enforcement has twisted to support amping up DUI efforts.

Traffic fatalities in Tennessee have decreased by about 24 percent since 2004; drunk driving accident deaths are down about 32 percent since 2007. Last year, police arrested 25 percent more suspected drunk drivers than in 2011, making for a total of 5,882 DUI arrests in Tennessee. Buckle up and get ready for that number to increase this year.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol says, "Even though our fatalities were the third-lowest since 1962, we are not satisfied." More time and money will go toward the prevention of drunk driving accidents and the increased use of seat belts. Many traffic fatalities involved the death of drivers and passengers who didn't use their seat belts.

The Tennessean doesn't specify how much of the $50 million that the state has to increase traffic safety will go toward drunk driving issues, but motorists should expect a continued if not increased presence of officers on the roads who are looking for a reason to pull drivers over and investigate for DUI.

Last year's nearly 6,000 drunk driving arrests might be minimal compared to what law enforcement has in store for drivers this year. Our Tennessee attorneys can help those who are arrested for suspicion of drunk driving avoid the various hardships that a potential conviction could put before them.

Source: The Tennessean, "1,019 traffic fatalities 'unacceptable'; TN officials aim to reduce deaths," Duane W. Gang, Jan. 17, 2013