Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on July 13, 2015
TDOT Investigating Stretch of I-40 in Mt. Juliet after Nearly 30 Crashes
The Tennessee Department of Transportation is investigating a stretch of Interstate 40 in Wilson County at the request of the Mt. Juliet Police Department after nearly 30 accidents occurred there in a short time period.
A staff report by wkrn.com stated that the stretch of road in question is on Interstate 40 East near mile maker 226 and Mt. Juliet Road. Of the 30 accidents reported since the beginning of the year that occurred at that location, eight involved serious injuries.
In addition, all of the crashes that involved injuries had one common element—heavy rain at the time of the collisions. Mt. Juliet police said that vehicles frequently hydroplane and lose traction on that stretch of interstate, leading to frequent accidents.
A Mt. Juliet police officer was himself injured in an accident on that same stretch of road in May when his patrol car was struck by a hydroplaning vehicle.
As a result of the request, TDOT is investigating the road and the crashes to determine how the stretch of interstate can be made safer for drivers. In the meantime, Mt. Juliet police says that drivers should slow down when driving in rain to decrease the chances that they will lose traction.
What Are the Most Dangerous Driving Conditions?
Safe driving is mostly in the hands of drivers themselves. It’s up to them to maintain their focus and attention on the road at all times, to never drive while intoxicated or impaired, and to obey all traffic laws. However, sometimes drivers are at risk of being involved in accidents due to adverse weather and road conditions—both of which can be dangerous no matter how many safety precautions they follow.
Some of the most dangerous driving conditions that drivers in Tennessee face include:
Because Tennessee is a state that doesn’t receive regular snowfall and ice accumulation during the winter, road crews are often unprepared for it—especially if there’s a heavy accumulation. In addition, many drivers in Tennessee are also unprepared for driving on snow and ice. Winter weather and winter storms can make roads extremely slick and cause vehicles to lose traction, especially when traveling at normal highway or interstate speeds. It’s important for drivers to avoid roads that haven’t been treated with salt or snowplows after winter storms.
In addition to making the road slick and reducing tire traction, heavy rain can also significantly reduce visibility. While windshield wipers and headlights can help drivers see both the road ahead and other vehicles, extreme amounts of rainfall can make it dangerous to drive at any speeds—especially at night. Drivers who get stuck in heavy rain should pull their vehicles over to the side of the road until the storm passes.
Many parts of Tennessee experience fog, especially early in the morning or late at night. Fog can range from mild to severe and cause visibility to drop to extremely low levels, making it impossible for drivers to see beyond just a few feet past the hood of their vehicles. Because heavy fog can be so dangerous to drivers, many stretches of highways and interstates in Tennessee that experience significant fog are subject to closure until conditions improve.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Mt. Juliet car accident attorneys knows that drivers not only have to worry about the driving behaviors of themselves and other motorists, but they also have to deal with environmental hazards as well. That’s why it’s important to remain extra cautious when driving during inclement weather and stop your vehicle if the conditions seem unsafe.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, get in touch with our legal team today. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or fill out a free online form to get in touch with our Mt. Juliet auto accident lawyers today.
