Tennessee’s bustling and vibrant roadways see thousands of car accidents every year. Unfortunately, a high percentage of car accident statistics result in serious injuries or fatalities. There are few things as traumatic as suffering a serious accident, and the impact can have a long-term effect on the victims. Let’s analyze Tennessee’s car statistics to gather some trends and insights so that we are aware of the risks, learn about safe driving practices, and discuss what to do if you get into an accident.
Tennessee Car Accident Statistics
According to the Tennessee Tariff Fatality Report by the Department of Safety & Homeland Security, there were 1319 car accident fatalities in the state in 2023. The deaths per month were highest during the summer, which is often peak season for tourists wanting to visit Memphis or adventure the Smoky Mountains in Knoxville. The rural areas, which get fewer tourists, had more fatalities during the winter season as a result of adverse weather conditions increasing the risk of car accidents.
Non-motorists, such as pedestrians and cyclists, were also involved in a high number of car accidents that involved fatalities. The report shows that close to 200 non-motorists died in 2023. As non-motorists have little or no protection during a collision, they are at a significantly higher risk of suffering catastrophic injuries or death. Young drivers in Tennessee were also at a higher risk of suffering a car accident. Drivers between the ages of 18 and 25 contributed to nearly one-third of all car crashes.
Top Factors Contributing to Car Accidents in Tennessee
Speeding
Driving above the speed limit is the state’s top cause of car accidents. Speeding statistics from Tennessee show that drivers who engage in reckless driving or speeding are at four times higher risk of suffering a fatal car accident. Even going a few miles faster can significantly reduce the driver’s reaction time to emergencies on the road. The extra speed also makes it more challenging for the driver to control their vehicle if they need to perform an emergency maneuver to avoid collision with an obstacle on the road.
The speeding statistics also show that one-fourth of speed-related crashes happen during rainy conditions. The rain adds extra challenges for the drivers. Not only does the road get more slippery, but the visibility during heavy rain can also be an issue. The stats also reveal that car crashes due to overspeeding are 1.2 times more likely at night.
The top five harmful events where speed was a factor include striking a guardrail or fence (32.9%), colliding with another vehicle (32.9%), driving into a ditch (10.3%), hitting a standing tree (8.1%), and rolling over (6%).
Driving Under the Influence
Based on 2020 statistics, Tennessee had more than 7000 car crashes that involved an impaired driver. The stats show that a motorist who is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is 14 times more likely to result in a fatal car accident. To make matters worse, intoxicated drivers or passengers are 12 times more likely not to use a seat belt, which is vital to their safety in the event of a car crash.
Tennessee has a 0.08% BAC limit for drivers. Any driver found guilty of driving with a BAC level higher than this faces serious legal consequences, including potential jail time. Tennessee also has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers. Any traceable amount of alcohol for drivers under the age of 21, can lead to penalties such as fines, license suspension, and mandatory participation in Tennessee alcohol education programs.
Impaired drivers in urban areas are 5.7 times more likely to hit a fixed object. Such accidents can often result in catastrophic accidents. Impaired driving in rural areas is more dangerous. The statistics show that impaired drivers are 2.7 times more likely to have an accident in rural areas.
Distracted Driving
Failing to focus on the road is a major contributing factor in car accidents. The Tennessee stats for distracted driving accidents show that the top distractions include eating, reading, or talking while behind the wheel. This is followed by cell phone use, which is a problem that is getting worse every year. While drivers may feel they can easily multi-task behind the wheel, even a slight distraction can be enough to cause a severe accident and change the lives of everyone involved forever.
Drivers 16 to 24 are the most likely to suffer car accidents due to driver distraction. Cell phone use is a common distraction for young adults. Almost one-third of distracted driving accidents happen on city roads in Tennessee. With less traffic in rural areas, distracted driving accidents are 2.7 more likely to be a single-vehicle crash.
How an Attorney Can Help Car Accident Victims
The Tennessee stats for car accidents show that the probability of suffering a car accident is high. Even if you are not at fault, you could still suffer serious injuries, property damage, and mental trauma.
If you or your loved one has been a victim of a car accident that led to serious injuries or severe property damage, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer in Brentwood to assess your best legal options for recovering compensation.
If you need a personal injury attorney, contact Meyers Injury Law. Our experienced team can review your accident, collect evidence to prove liability, and advocate for you to receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.
