According to a news report in The Tennessean, traffic fatalities in Tennessee have greatly increased, concerning public officials who are searching for ways to improve safety. After a number of years of a declining amount of traffic-related fatalities, more than 300 Tennesseans have lost their lives in TN traffic accidents since January 1. This is an alarming 13 percent increase from the same time last year, and state officials have not been able to determine why and cannot find any definite trends in the accidents, i.e. if speed or alcohol are factors in the fatal collisions.
The state is so concerned with the alarming increase that the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has begun posting the fatality count on the electronic message boards on the interstate. In its efforts to improve roadway safety, law enforcement has also stepped up seat belt enforcement. The commander of the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Nashville District directed all troopers to do nothing but seat belt enforcement on April 6, and a total of 1,101 drivers were pulled over.
In order to prevent TN auto accidents, TDOT has identified 44 possible trouble spots in the state with higher than normal crash rates and found that two specific groups are losing their lives in larger numbers in 2012: motorcyclists and drivers not wearing seatbelts. Combined, the groups account for at least 41 more deaths than at this time last year. The director for the Governor’s Highway Safety Office states they are trying to reach males ages 18 – 34, as he feels they may be the most likely to either not wear a seat belt or drink and drive.
The startling increase in traffic-related deaths serves as an excellent reminder for TN motorists to drive safely to ensure their safety and the safety of others. However, a driver’s negligence may still be the cause of a dangerous motor vehicle crash. If you have lost a loved one in an accident, contact an auto accident wrongful death attorney in Chattanooga with Massey & Associates, P.C. Losing a loved one is extremely devastating, so allow us to assist you during this difficult time and obtain the compensation that will help with the unexpected costs that may arise. Call (423) 396-0720 for a complimentary consultation.
Gary Massey, Jr., is a well-known courtroom advocate practicing law in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gary is a native of Tennessee who began practicing law in 1998. He graduated from Cumberland School of Law where he was ranked in the top 3% of his class and was an editor of the Cumberland Law Review.
