What’s Making Roads Unsafe in Davidson County?

The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security (DSHS) keeps a running total of crashes throughout Tennessee and its various counties.

2023 saw 34,130 crashes across the state. Davidson County saw 24,902 of these crashes. What’s interesting to us, however, are the reasons behind these accidents. The DSHS lists these other reasons for car accidents in Davidson County:

• Large truck involved (2,015 accidents)
• Distracted drivers (1,274 accidents)
• Drinking driver (1,061 accidents)
• Speeding driver (1,003 accidents)
• Teen driver (677 accidents)
• Drowsy driver (239 accidents)
• Unbelted occupant (389 accidents)
• Driver has used drugs (302 accidents)

These numbers give us a snapshot of the biggest problems facing Davidson County drivers. Let’s take a closer look.

Large trucks

Large trucks sharing the road with smaller vehicles pose a variety of challenges. First, their size and weight make them less maneuverable and slower to stop, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly in congested or high-traffic areas. Additionally, blind spots, known as “no-zones,” around trucks limit drivers’ visibility, potentially leading to collisions when truck drivers do not see smaller vehicles during lane changes or turns. The difference in speed between trucks and smaller vehicles can create dangerous situations, such as when trucks attempt to pass or merge. Finally, cargo shifts or improper loading can lead to stability issues, increasing the likelihood of rollovers or other accidents. The IIHS notes that most deaths in commercial truck accidents are passenger vehicle occupants.

Distracted drivers

Distracted drivers pose a significant danger on the road due to their impaired ability to focus on the task of driving. When drivers divert their attention away from the road to engage in activities such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or eating, their reaction times are significantly slowed, and their ability to anticipate and react to potential hazards is compromised. This increases the risk of accidents, as distracted drivers may fail to notice pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicles, or changes in road conditions. Distraction can lead to a loss of control over a vehicle, resulting in swerving, veering into other lanes, or rear-end collisions. Distracted driving caused 3,522 deaths in 2021.

Drinking drivers

Drunk drivers pose a serious danger on the road because of an impairment of cognitive and motor functions caused by alcohol consumption. Alcohol affects judgment, coordination, reaction time, and vision, leading to an increased risk of accidents. Intoxicated drivers may exhibit reckless behaviors such as speeding, weaving between lanes, or running red lights, putting themselves and others at risk. Additionally, alcohol impairs decision-making abilities, leading intoxicated drivers to underestimate risks or overestimate their driving capabilities. According to the IIHS, “25% of crash deaths could be prevented each year if all drivers with BACs of 0.08% or higher were kept off the roads.”

Speeding drivers

Speeding drivers pose a significant danger on the road due to several factors. Higher speeds reduce the time drivers have to react to unexpected situations, such as obstacles or sudden changes in traffic flow, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Additionally, speeding increases the force of impact in the event of a collision, leading to more severe injuries and fatalities. Higher speeds can also worsen the effects of other risk factors, such as distracted driving or impaired visibility, making it more challenging for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports “Speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2021, killing 12,330, or an average of over 33 people per day.”

Teen drivers

Teen drivers are often considered dangerous due to their lack of experience and maturity behind the wheel. Many teenage drivers have limited exposure to various driving situations and may not yet have developed the necessary skills to handle challenging scenarios effectively. Teen drivers are also more likely to engage in risky road behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, and not wearing seat belts. Peer influence and a desire for thrill-seeking can further increase the likelihood of reckless driving. Additionally, teenage brains are still developing, particularly in areas related to judgment and impulse control, which can lead to poor decision-making while driving. The IIHS notes that “The fatal crash rate per mile driven for 16-19 year-olds is nearly 3 times the rate for drivers ages 20 and over. Risk is highest at ages 16-17.”

Drowsy drivers

Drowsy drivers are dangerous because fatigue impairs their cognitive abilities and physical reflexes, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. When drivers are drowsy, their reaction times are slower, their attention span is reduced, and their decision-making abilities are compromised. This can lead to difficulties in maintaining lane position, recognizing road hazards, and responding effectively to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions. Moreover, drowsy driving can result in microsleep episodes, where drivers briefly lose consciousness. The NHTSA reports that 684 people died in 2021 from drowsy driving-related crashes.

Unbelted occupants

Not wearing a seatbelt significantly increases the risk of injury or death in the event of a car accident. Seatbelts are designed to restrain occupants within the vehicle and prevent them from colliding with the interior surfaces or being ejected from the vehicle upon impact. Without a seatbelt, occupants can be thrown forcefully against the windshield, dashboard, or other passengers, leading to severe head, chest, and limb injuries. More, in the event of a rollover, seatbelts help to keep occupants inside, reducing the likelihood of being crushed or thrown from the vehicle. The NHTSA states that, in one year, “Seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives and could have saved an additional 2,549 people if they had been wearing seat belts.”

Drugged drivers

Drugged drivers pose a significant danger on the road due to the impairment of their cognitive and motor functions. Depending on the substance consumed, drugs can affect reaction time, coordination, judgment, and perception, similar to the effects of alcohol. This impairment can lead to erratic driving behaviors, such as weaving between lanes, disregarding traffic signals, or driving at inappropriate speeds. Drugged driving increases the risk of accidents as drivers may be unable to accurately assess their surroundings or respond effectively to hazards on the road. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports, “in 2021, 13.5 million people aged 16 or older drove under the influence of alcohol in the past year and 11.7 million drove under the influence of selected illicit drugs, including marijuana.”

All of these risks and hazards add up to make the streets of Davidson County quite dangerous. If you’ve been involved in an accident, it’s important to talk to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible to help protect your rights and seek compensation for your injuries.

At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we are committed to fighting for the best outcome for your car accident case. We work with police and expert witnesses to show who or what caused your accident, and help you seek the compensation to which you are entitled for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Gladiators, simply call our offices or fill out our contact form today. We have offices in Nashville, Hendersonville, and Clarksville and serve all of Middle Tennessee.