2019 Sees Highest Number of TN Traffic Fatalities Since 2007
In one of the deadliest years on the road in recent history, Tennessee lost 1,129 people in traffic accidents in 2019, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. 2019 saw the highest number of traffic deaths since 2007 when there were 1,211 people killed in traffic accidents across the state. The number of deaths includes car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and bicyclists and pedestrians struck by vehicles.
The 1,129 people killed in traffic accidents in Tennessee in 2019 is an 8.66 percent increase compared to data from 2018. In 2018, there were 1,039 people killed in Tennessee traffic accidents.
Davidson County has one of the highest death totals in the state
Davidson County, home to the state capital and county seat of Nashville, had one of the highest traffic fatality totals in Tennessee for 2019. It was one of just two counties to have more than 100 traffic fatalities (102). The other was Shelby County with 155 traffic deaths.
Traffic fatalities for Knox, Montgomery, and Sumner Counties
Knox County (Knoxville) recorded 68 traffic deaths in 2019, while Montgomery County (Clarksville) recorded 29, and Sumner County (Hendersonville) recorded 13. The 68 traffic fatalities in Knox County were the third highest in Tennessee in 2019, behind Shelby County and Davidson County.
The greatest percentage of fatalities went to Hamilton County
Breaking the data down by city and county, Chattanooga and Hamilton County saw significant increases from 2018 to 2019. Hamilton County saw a 33.55% increase in fatalities from 2018 to 2019.
In an interview with The Chattanooga Times Free Press, Department of Safety spokesperson Bill Miller said, “What that tells us is that most of the increase in fatalities is attributable to an increase in traffic. This is probably also the case for large truck-involved crashes.”
Was your loved one killed in a car or truck crash in Tennessee? Get a Gladiator on your side to fight for justice for your loved one. Call Rocky McElhaney Law Firm today at 615-425-2500, or fill out the contact form to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in Nashville, Hendersonville and Clarksville to better serve our clients.