Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on July 27, 2015
Multiple Crashes Cause Traffic Delays in Middle Tennessee
Three separate crashes in Nashville, Tennessee, early Monday morning caused traffic delays throughout the city and surrounding areas.
WKRN reports that the first accident occurred around 2:15 a.m. on 46th Avenue between Charlotte and Alabama Avenues when a tractor-trailer struck and knocked over a power pole. The impact of the accident caused the roadway to be closed and workers with the Nashville Electric Service to work for several hours to restore power and reopen the roadway.
Another accident occurred around 7:58 a.m. Monday when multiple vehicles collided at mile marker 81 on Interstate 65 in the northbound lanes. The crash caused significant delays for commuters and traffic backed up for three miles from Wedgewood to Armory Drive. The accident was reported cleared by 8:40 a.m.
A third accident in the region in the past 12 hours was reported in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Monday morning when a truck hauling lawn equipment rolled over on Interstate 40 East near mile marker 224. The accident caused two lanes of the interstate to be closed in order for cleans to clean up the debris, but all lanes are now open.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Nashville car accident lawyers urges all drivers to stay cautious when driving late at night or commuting to work early in the morning, as the risk of accidents is increased during those times.
Tips for Staying Safe During Your Commute
Commuting to and from work is something that can become automatic for many drivers. You know exactly which route to take, which intersections are most likely to be backed up, where traffic begins and ends on the interstate, and even shortcuts you can take if you’re running late. But it’s important to not let your mind wonder even during a routine drive, as safety should always be your top priority.
Here are a few tips you can follow to help reduce your risk of a car accident during your morning and afternoon commutes:
If your commute takes place shortly after sunrise or during sunset, you should always turn on your headlights—even if there’s enough natural light to see the road. If visibility is reduced in any way, it can be difficult for other drivers to see your vehicle, even if it’s not completely dark outside. Turning on your headlights not only increases your field of vision, but it also makes your vehicle much more visible.
If you use an interstate or highway during your commute, stay out of the left lane if possible and maintain a safe and steady speed. Only pass other vehicles if absolutely necessary, and keep your distance from vehicles in front of you. In addition, anticipate when you need to exit the interstate or highway and move over as soon as it’s safe to do so. Changing lanes at the last minute is dangerous for both you and other drivers.
Using your computer or smartphone, check your route every morning or evening before you leave your home or office to get information about traffic and possible accidents. Doing so can not only save you time on your commute to and from the office, but it can also reduce your risk of being involved in a “rubbernecking” accident caused by a distracted driver.
Although it’s a drive you make countless times every year, your daily commute can be dangerous if you aren’t cautious, alert, and taking steps to protect yourself at all times. In addition, you should also keep your eyes peeled for other drivers who are speeding, driving recklessly, or driving while distracted, as they can pose serious risks on the interstate or highway.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligent behavior, you may able to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact the Nashville car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law by dialing (615) 200-1111 or filling out a free consultation form to find out how we can help you.
