CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Tennessee Highway Safety Office and members of local and state law enforcement from Tennessee and Kentucky joined forces Friday, the start of Memorial Day weekend, to kick off 2023 Hands Across the Border at Fortera Stadium at Austin Peay State University.

Director of the THSO Buddy Lewis said the initiative is designed to crack down on drunk driving and make sure everyone is buckled up.

Tennessee and Kentucky law enforcement personnel, along with other officials at the Hands Across the Border law enforcement safety event at Austin Peay on May 26, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

Captain Chris Dye with the Tennessee Highway Patrol speaking at the Hands Across the Border law enforcement safety event at Austin Peay on May 26, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

Tennessee Highway Safety Office Director, Buddy Lewis, speaking at the Hands Across the Border law enforcement safety event at Austin Peay on May 26, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

Inside the Clarksville Police Department’s DUI Enforcement Vehicle at the Hands Across the Border law enforcement safety event at Austin Peay on May 26, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

The Clarksville Police Department DUI Enforcement Vehicle at the Hands Across the Border law enforcement safety event at Austin Peay on May 26, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden takes the wheel of the Driving Simulator at the Hands Across the Border law enforcement safety event at Austin Peay on May 26, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts, Tennessee Highway Safety Office Director Buddy Lewis, and Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden at the Hands Across the Border law enforcement safety event at Austin Peay on May 26, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

Assistant District Attorney Nathaniel Sherman speaking at the Hands Across the Border law enforcement safety event at Austin Peay on May 26, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

Deputy Chief Ty Burdine with the Clarksville Police Department speaking at the Hands Across the Border law enforcement safety event at Austin Peay on May 26, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

Lt. James Derico with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office speaking at the Hands Across the Border law enforcement safety event at Austin Peay on May 26, 2023. (Lee Erwin)

Lewis said there have been 509 fatalities in Tennessee so far this year, and traffic crashes can be prevented with safe driving habits like slowing down, putting your phone down, and always buckling up.

Joining the THSO were the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Kentucky State Police, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Clarksville Police Department, and the 19th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office. Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden and City of Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts also attended the event.