Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on July 16, 2015
Tennessee Highway Patrol Utilizing New Technology to Predict, Prevent Crashes
A new predictive analytics technology is helping troopers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol determine which areas of the state are most at-risk for crashes and dedicate resources to help prevent them from occurring.
A staff report by wkrn.com says that the technology analyzes data from things like crash history, local maps of the area, and major events occurring in the area to color-code areas based on their likelihood for traffic accidents. The technology even has the ability to help troopers determine which times of day put drivers the most at-risk for being involved in collisions.
After determining which areas have the highest percentage risk for accidents, troopers can head to that area and watch for dangerous driving behavior to help prevent accidents.
Since law enforcement in the state of Tennessee began using the technology, traffic accidents have decreased by seven percent, and four out of the past five years have been the safest for highways in the Volunteer State since 1963.
THP officials also say that there have been 40 fewer deaths on roadways in Tennessee through July 16 than there were this time last year.
The Nashville car accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law are thankful for technology that helps state troopers and police departments throughout the state make roadways safer for all drivers.
How Can Drivers Avoid Problem Areas on the Road?
While the article above describes how police and state troopers in Tennessee have their own methods for predicting potential accidents, drivers can also help reduce their risks by anticipating where at-risk areas may be. It’s impossible to accurately predict the future, but by following a few of the tips below, you can potentially avoid problem areas and stay out of harm’s way:
Most of the major interstates and highways in Tennessee have live traffic conditions online. In addition, you can also use your smartphone’s GPS function to find out the traffic conditions on your route. If you see that there’s a significant amount of traffic or multiple accidents on the highway or interstate you’re planning on using, consider taking a different route. Not only will it save you time, but it’s also a safe alternative.
If a particular stretch of road, highway, or interstate in your area is well-known for the number of accidents that occur there, do your best to avoid it. In many cases, those accidents are due to things like poor visibility, blind turns, confusing or dangerous intersections, and even road damage. If you notice dangerous conditions on a roadway, report them to the local road department or to the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Weekend evenings, nights, and early mornings are among the most dangerous for drivers, as the likelihood of encountering an intoxicated driver is very high. If possible, avoiding driving at these times or use alternate routes away from city centers and urban areas. Drunk drivers pose serious risks to everyone the roadway, and if you see someone who you suspect is driving while intoxicated, contact police immediately.
You take a risk every time you get the behind wheel of your vehicle and head out onto any of Tennessee’s roadways, but by exercising caution, staying alert, and avoiding potentially dangerous areas, it’s possible to reduce the risks that you and your family face.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, the Nashville car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law may be able to help you get compensation. We can investigate the accident and determine if you’re eligible to receive money for things like medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs. Contact us by dialing (615) 200-1111 or fill out a free online consultation form today.
