Johnson City police have reported a 37% drop in the number of fatal crashes on Interstate 26 compared to last year, with 26 crashes recorded between January 26 and February 25, 2023. The “Safer 26 in ’24” initiative enlisting state troopers to increase patrols and raise awareness was launched after a series of deadly crashes. Officers have been monitoring the interstate to identify speeding, following too closely, and distracted driving as the main issues.