Chattanooga, TN, August 31, 2025
News Summary
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has launched Project 58 x 58 aimed at improving safety on Highway 58 over Labor Day weekend. Collaborating with local law enforcement agencies, the initiative seeks to reduce speeding and impaired driving, addressing serious accident rates. With alarming crash statistics, authorities are focusing on driver education and enforcement to promote safer driving habits, especially with increased holiday travel. Community cooperation is vital for ensuring road safety during this busy period.
Chattanooga, TN – The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has announced a collaborative initiative called Project 58 x 58: Enforcing Safety, Hour by Hour aimed at enhancing safety on Highway 58 over the upcoming Labor Day weekend. This operation will run from Friday, August 29, through midnight on Monday, September 1, involving multiple law enforcement agencies including the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the Chattanooga Police Department.
The primary focus of Project 58 x 58 is to reduce speeding, remove impaired drivers from the road, and address other dangerous driving behaviors that have contributed to the alarming number of accidents on Highway 58. These enforcement efforts will span the entirety of State Route 58, which stretches from the Tennessee-Georgia state line to Roane County.
Statistics underscore the need for such intensive measures. In 2025 alone, there have been 234 crashes on Highway 58, leading to five fatalities and 102 injuries. When looking at data between 2022 and 2024, a total of 1,230 crashes occurred on this highway, also resulting in five fatalities and 422 injuries. Furthermore, since the beginning of 2022, ten fatalities have been recorded on Highway 58.
According to Sheriff Austin Garrett, even one fatality is too many, reflecting widespread community concerns. The Sheriff aims to initially address driver behavior through educational efforts, followed by enforcement measures as necessary. Sheriff Garrett emphasized his commitment to improving safety and the overall driving culture on the highway.
With schools back in session, Tennessee State Representative Greg Vital has stressed the heightened dangers posed by excessive speed and distracted driving. The period surrounding Labor Day traditionally sees an increase in holiday travel, necessitating additional vigilance on the roads.
The Chattanooga Police Department is also joining in on traffic enforcement operations during this initiative, reinforcing the message of responsible driving. Chattanooga Chief of Police John Chambers has reiterated the importance of community cooperation in ensuring public safety, particularly during periods of heightened traffic.
This project not only focuses on law enforcement but also aims to foster a culture of safety among drivers. The initiative invites all community members to remain alert and conscientious while driving, especially as the number of vehicles on the road increases during this holiday weekend.
Project 58 x 58 symbolizes a concerted effort to bring awareness to the community about the implications of reckless driving and highlight law enforcement’s role in making roads safer for everyone.
Summary of Project 58 x 58
| Date | Time | Locations | Main Goals | Accident Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 29 – September 1 | All day | State Route 58 | Reduce speeding, remove impaired drivers, enhance safety | 2025: 234 crashes, 5 fatalities, 102 injuries |
FAQ
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What is Project 58 x 58?
Project 58 x 58 is an initiative aimed at enhancing safety on Highway 58 during the Labor Day weekend, running from August 29 to September 1.
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Which agencies are involved in this initiative?
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Safety Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the Chattanooga Police Department are collaborating in this operation.
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What will enforcement focus on?
The project will focus on reducing speeding, removing impaired drivers, and addressing other dangerous driving behaviors.
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What are the key statistics regarding accidents on Highway 58?
In 2025, there have been 234 crashes leading to 5 fatalities and 102 injuries. From 2022 to 2024, a total of 1,230 crashes resulted in similar fatality figures.
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Why is this initiative important now?
With schools reopening and increased holiday traffic expected for Labor Day, the initiative aims to promote safer driving practices.
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Additional Resources
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga Fire Dept Battles Accidental Brush Fire
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- Times Free Press: TBI Investigating Highway 58 Shooting
- Google Search: Highway 58 Traffic Safety
- WDEF: Law Enforcement Cracks Down Highway 58
- Google Scholar: Highway 58 Accidents
- News Channel 9: Stolen Firearm Recovered on Highway 58
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Local 3 News: One Dead in Multi-Vehicle Crash on Highway 58
- Google News: Highway 58 Incidents
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
