Tennessee Car Accident Statistics for 2017 Tennessee residents drive on the state’s local roads and highway system to travel to work, for shopping and for recreational activities just like everywhere else in the United States. In 2014, there were 5.1 million adults in Tennessee and 4.7 million of them had a driver’s licenses, which illustrates how important driving is to the residents of Tennessee. (Tennessee Department of Homeland Security)

National traffic safety numbers

Nationally, the traffic fatality data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does not have good news. There were 37,461 traffic deaths on U.S. roadways in 2016, which is up 5.6% from the 34,485 killed on roadways in 2015. Traffic fatalities were up between 2015 and 2016 in almost all segments of the population, those operating passenger vehicles, occupants of large trucks, pedestrian, pedal cyclists, motorcyclists and alcohol impaired driving.

Tennessee traffic safety numbers

In Tennessee, there were 1009 traffic fatalities and 37,264 injuries in traffic crashes in 2016. As of mid-December 2017, there were 994 traffic fatalities. (TN Department of Safety and Homeland Security) and (Daily Fatalities YTD)

Drunk driving statistics

In 2016, 10, 497 people were killed in drunk driving crashes, which is up 1.7% from the 10,265 crashes that happened in 2015. Tennessee was one of 13 states that saw a decrease in alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 2016 when there were 28 alcohol-related traffic deaths, which was 21% of the total number of traffic deaths. This number is down by 11.2% from the previous year. Mothers Against Drunk Driving attributes that reduction to the hard work of law enforcement agencies, government agencies and community partners who enforce traffic laws, educate the public about the dangers of drunk driving and support high visibility law enforcement efforts.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports that in 2015, 43% of drivers in fatal crashes had drugs in their system, compared to 37% of drivers who were over .08 for alcohol. In 2005, of drivers tested for drugs in their system after dying in a traffic crash only 28% of drivers tested positive. In the ten years since, the number grew from 28% to 43%.

Factors that contribute to Tennessee car crashes

There are many factors that contribute to car accidents in Tennessee and anywhere else some of which include the following:

  • Driver error. Whether driving drunk or drowsy or distracted, too fast for conditions or aggressively with the intent to intimidate other drivers, these lapses in judgement contribute to car crashes.
  • Weather. Stormy conditions, icy roadways, rain and fog can limit visibility and contribute to traffic accidents.
  • Age of driver. Young drivers under age 18, were involved in 98 deadly traffic accidents in Tennessee in 2016. Seniors over age 65 were involved in 228 fatal traffic crashes in 2016 throughout Tennessee.

Being injured in a car crash, or losing a loved one in a car accident can cause pain and suffering–both emotional and physical, medical expenses and lost time at work. These things cost you in time and money and when the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence or recklessness, you may be able to take legal action and recover compensation for your losses through a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

The Rocky McElhaney Law Firm represents clients throughout the state of Tennessee, including Nashville, Hendersonville and Knoxville. Our experienced Nashville car accident lawyers are here to offer the representation you need and the results you are looking for. Please call 615-246-5549 or contact the firm to schedule an initial free consultation.