What Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Tennessee for Truck Accidents?

Some form of driver error is almost always the cause of truck accidents. Some accidents are caused by hazardous road conditions which are completely beyond the control of the truck driver. Factors such as storms and bad weather, animals darting out in front of them, and drivers of other vehicles that the truck driver must be aware of while they are driving, but the road on which they are driving plays a major role in their safety and the safety of the other drivers that they share the road with.

The United States has an extensive highway system with some of the longest, loneliest stretches of highway in the world. Some of those roads are hazardous. Whether the hazards are from the condition of the roads itself, the terrain, lack of roadway maintenance, and the flow of traffic, truck drivers have much to contend with as they traverse these roads every day to deliver the goods that Americans spend so much of their money on every day.

What are the most dangerous roads in Tennessee for truck drivers?

You might be wondering, which are the most dangerous roads in Tennessee? Well, you are about to find out.

• Interstate-40, which runs right through Tennessee is one of the most dangerous highways in the U.S. Nashville has the distinction of being one of the most dangerous places to drive in the U.S. Ranked 20th nationwide for the number of fatal crashes between 2011 and 2015, Music City has had 293 fatal wrecks in that span of time. I-40, which is 2,555 miles long, has seen 801 traffic fatalities, which ranks it at 31.9 deaths per 100 miles. (Value Penguin) And if that is not enough, Local 8 News reports that there have been more than 12,000 wrecks on I-40 since 2005. They have a list of the most dangerous mile markers on that dangerous highway and the number of crashes that have happened at each one. For example, mile marker 1-380 near Knoxville has had 555 wrecks.
• Interstate 65 is another deadly highway, which is 887 miles long, has had 324 deaths and clocks in at 36.5 deaths per 100 miles.
• Truckers traveling south most likely dread Highway 129, which local's call, "the dragon" because of the sharp turns and low visibility in bad weather. WBIR reports that there have been 13 fatal accidents on that windy mountain road between 2008 and 2012.
• The Monteagle Mountain section of Interstate Highway 24 is infamous for the steep inclines and equally perilous declines with winding twists and turns.

What role does a hazardous roadway play in contributing to truck crashes?

When things like poor road design, and hazardous roadway conditions contribute to a truck accident, those who sustain injuries may be able to file a claim against the state, federal or local authorities who are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the road. Just think about it. Another clue that the roadway itself poses a hazard to motorists is when accidents keep happening at the same spot on the highway. Some examples of common road defects that can cause traffic crashes include:

• Poor lighting
• Uneven pavement
• Lack of median barriers or guard rails
• Poor shoulder design
• Insufficient traffic controls
• Inadequate signage

When you are driving on public roads and highways, the last thing you want to be worried about is whether the roads are being properly maintained. If you or someone you care about suffered an injury in a truck accident that could have been a result of a hazardous road condition, you may want to consult with a knowledgeable Nashville truck accident attorney about your case.

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Tennessee, contact our Gladiators in Suits at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm. Our Nashville truck accident lawyers are here to fight for your right to fair compensation when you have suffered a serious injury in a truck crash. You are encouraged to call us at 615-425-2500 or use our contact form to make an appointment at our Nashville, Hendersonville, and Knoxville.