Tennessee traffic fatals down so far this year

NASHVILLE — Heading into the busy Thanksgiving travel weekend, Tennessee traffic deaths are down significantly this year.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, 829 people have died in state wrecks, down 99 from this time in 2008.

For all of 2008, there were 1,043 traffic fatalities in the state, down 14 percent from 1,211 in 2007.

Troopers said the best way to save lives on the highway is using seat belts.