Posted in Aggressive Driving,Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on August 12, 2015
Tennessee Highways Record Lowest Number of Fatalities in 50 Years
With 533 traffic fatalities so far in 2015, Tennessee’s highways are on pace for their safest year since 1963.
According to a report by wsmv.com, there were 583 traffic fatalities through the same date in 2014. A spokesperson for the Tennessee Highway Patrol said that this year is on a record-setting pace for highway safety in the Volunteer State.
The THP says that its aggressive enforcement of traffic laws has helped make a big difference in reducing the number of traffic fatalities throughout the state, including its zero-tolerance policy for violations like DUIs and drivers and passengers who don’t wear their seatbelts.
Another factor in the reduced number of traffic deaths is a new crash-predicating technology used by the THP—the first department in the country to use such a program. The technology helps officers determine when and where crashes are most likely to occur so that they can target those areas and increase enforcement.
The lowest number of traffic deaths in recent history was 941 in 1963. THP troopers hope to not only reach that number in the future, but also to eventually reach zero traffic fatalities in a single year.
How You Can Do Your Part in Improving Highway Safety
Although the THP is stepping up its enforcement of traffic violations in order to make everyone on Tennessee’s roadways safer, it’s important for motorists to do their parts as well. As a driver in Middle Tennessee, you can play a big role in making yourself and everyone else on the highways and interstates throughout the region safer by following a few safety tips when you get behind the wheel:
Following too closely is a common cause of accidents—especially at high speeds on interstates and highways. Always leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to prepare for things like sudden deceleration or stops.
The trucking industry has strict sleep and rest schedule requirements for its drivers, but other motorists should follow their lead as well. Driving when you’re sleepy or fatigued for any reason can impair your judgment and decision-making abilities while also putting you at risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense in Tennessee that can result in you losing your license for one year or more and mandatory jail time. If you consume alcohol or take prescription medications, always use a cab to get home or call a friend to pick you up.
Some of the most common rules of the road include following the speed limit, signaling before turning, coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, and never passing other vehicles if there’s a solid yellow line. However, those simple rules are broken in Middle Tennessee on a daily basis—and they often have devastating consequences.
Above all else, drive defensively and be aware of the movements of other vehicles and drivers. By keeping caution and safety at the forefront of your mind at all times while you’re behind the wheel, you can better anticipate potential accidents and lower your risk of suffering a serious accident-related injury.
The Nashville car accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law appreciate the efforts of the THP when it comes to improving highway safety, but it’s ultimately up to the drivers in Middle Tennessee to make the biggest impact on our streets and interstates.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, our legal team wants to hear from you. We have years of experience helping injured victims get compensation for their medical bills and lost wages, and we may be able to help you as well. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online form.
