Increase in Fatal Car Accidents in Tennessee includes more Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

Tennessee car accidents are on the rise after five years of decline, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Authorities are particularly concerned about a significant increase in the number of Tennessee pedestrian accidents. A Knoxville personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights in the wake of a serious or fatal car accident in Maryville, Knoxville or elsewhere in Tennessee. The number of serious and fatal accidents have begun to trend upward in the Midwest in response to the improving economy.

The number of motorists killed on Tennessee roads increased last year to 1,030, from the 986 reported in 2009.

“It is important that we remain vigilant in protecting our roadways and reducing fatal and injury crashes in Tennessee,” said Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons. “Safer highways and byways is one of our top priorities. With enforcement initiatives to detect and remove impaired drivers from the roadways to education programs that focus on increasing safety belt usage, the Highway Patrol is making every effort to ensure the public’s safety and to save lives.”

Even with the increase, Tennessee posted the second-lowest number of deaths since 1963. Since 2004, traffic fatalities have declined by 23 percent, including a 45 percent reduction in ATV accidents, a 56 percent reduction in Tennessee bicycle accidents and a 48 percent reduction in Tennessee trucking crashes.

“There are some positive trends developing with fewer fatalities in several areas, including a decrease in fatal crashes involving a teen driver which dropped by over 50 percent since 1999,” said THP Colonel Tracy Trott. “Our goal, with the support of local law enforcement agencies and highway safety advocates, is to continue making a positive impact on Tennessee roads.”

Drunk driving crashes in Tennessee have also decline, while seat belt usage has improved significantly since enactment of the state’s primary enforcement law. A total of 303 fatalities were the result of drunk driving crashes in Tennessee last year.

“Unfortunately, far too many Tennesseans get behind the wheel of a car under the influence of alcohol and too many people still do not buckle up,” said THP Colonel Tracy Trott. “There are no excuses. Drinking and driving is a crime, and wearing your seat belt takes two seconds and is the single most effective way to protect you in a crash. State Troopers are committed to enforcing the law and educating motorists, one stop at a time.”

If you or a loved one is injured or killed in a car accident in Tennessee, contact Hartsoe Law Firm, P.C. for a confidential appointment to discuss your rights with our Knoxville injury lawyers and Marysville accident attorneys. Call (865) 804-1011.