Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on February 26, 2016
440 Accidents Reported on Stretch of I-65 in Millersville in Past 5 Years
A stretch of Interstate 65 in Millersville, Tennessee, is known to be dangerous to many residents who live in the area, and it was the site of an accident that claimed three lives on Tuesday.
According to a report by WSMV.com, there have been four fatal crashes out of 440 that have been reported on that stretch of interstate during the past five years.
In response to the complaints about the dangers of the roadway, officials with the Tennessee Department of Transportation have attempted to make it safer for travelers. The department has plans to add cameras and overhead electronic message boards with safety notices by the end of 2016.
However, some believe that the biggest danger on the roadway is the lack of barriers separating traffic that’s traveling in opposite directions. TDOT is currently in the process of forming a team to investigate the roadway in early March and determine the feasibility of installing safety measures like metal and cable guardrails to protect drivers from wrong-way and head-on accidents.
In addition, the governor’s current highway safety plan calls for widening the stretch of roadway, but the timeline for completing that request could take decades.
Why Are Accidents More Common on Certain Roadways?
Not all roadways are created equal. Although the vast majority of roads in Tennessee are safe for drivers, there are many that can pose risks due to a wide variety of factors. At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville car accident lawyers know that most car accidents in the state are caused by negligent and careless drivers, but roadways can contribute to accidents as well.
Some of the most common reasons that accidents are more likely to occur on certain roadways than on others include the following:
Whether the road has a steep hill or several blind curves, even a short section with limited visibility can significantly increase the risk that drivers face every time they drive through that area. In many cases, roadways with stretches of limited visibility have posted signs indicating that drivers should reduce their speed or proceed through the area with caution.
Rural areas and roads are often thought of as being sparsely populated and therefore safer for drivers, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that around 56 percent of the nation’s fatal traffic accidents occurred on rural roads, despite only 23 percent of the nation’s population living in rural areas.
Some roads have surfaces that are slick all the time, while other roads have a tendency to collect standing water and become slick due to the accumulation of rain during storms. When a roadway has areas that are inherently difficult for vehicle tires to grip, drivers may hydroplane or lose control, putting themselves and other motorists at risk of serious accidents.
Wrong-way accidents often result in two vehicles colliding head-on—and those types of collisions put drivers and passengers in extreme danger of suffering disabling and life-threatening injuries. Many wrong-way accidents are caused by drivers whose vehicles drift across the medians or center lines of roadways and into the path of oncoming traffic.
Although bad road conditions can play a role in many car accidents in Nashville, safe driving is still ultimately the responsibility of the people who get behind the wheels of their vehicles every day. By staying alert, driving at or below the speed limit, and avoiding distractions, drivers can significantly reduce their risks on all types of roadways.
If you or someone you love was recently injured in an auto accident that may have been caused by another driver’s negligent behavior, don’t wait another day to contact our experienced legal team. We will do everything in our power to help you get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs. To speak with our attorneys today, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
