Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians in Nashville
Pedestrians continue to be killed by motorists in record-high numbers on the streets of Nashville each year. Whether a driver is speeding, driving while drunk or intoxicated, driving recklessly, or simply not paying attention, they put pedestrians at serious risk of being struck or run over.
While there is not much that pedestrians can do when these accidents occur, they can become aware of the most dangerous intersections around the city and proceed with extra caution when crossing or walking near them.
How dangerous are Nashville intersections for pedestrians?
Nashville recently ranked second for being the most dangerous city in the country for pedestrians. The two reasons given for this ranking were that the city has a very low walking score of 28.8 out of 100, and Nashville experiences 5.51 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people annually.
Unfortunately, the company that conducted the study is not wrong about its results. In 2022, Nashville experienced its worst year for pedestrian deaths as it was announced that 47 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed throughout the city. In 2023, the number of pedestrians and bicyclists killed in Nashville was 40, which was only slightly lower.
While the city is taking certain measures to try to prevent these deaths, they are still occurring frequently. At the beginning of September alone, one pedestrian was hit at the Estes and Hobbs Road intersection, and another was hit and killed at the West End Avenue and 17th Avenue South intersection.
Why are intersections dangerous for pedestrians?
Intersections are usually parts of the roadway where multiple paths connect or intersect with traffic lights. Most of the time, these intersections are unavoidable for pedestrians as they are equipped with crosswalks and traffic lights, allowing them to cross the street if need be. However, due to the complexities of intersections, they are known to be very dangerous for pedestrians. The following are a few reasons why intersections are dangerous for pedestrians.
Visibility problems
A lot of intersections have visibility problems. This is usually due to obstructions in the way, blocking people’s view. Common obstructions near intersections are trees, utility poles, construction work, parked vehicles, buildings, turning vehicles, and more. Inadequate lighting can also cause visibility problems, especially at night or early in the morning. When visibility problems are present at an intersection, it can quickly become an unsafe area for pedestrians. This is because drivers are less likely to be able to see pedestrians waiting, standing by, or even crossing at an intersection, putting them at risk of being struck or run over.
Connecting traffic
Since intersections are where roads connect and merge, these areas create a confusing environment for everyone passing through them. Some drivers are going straight, others are right, and some may even need to turn left across oncoming traffic. Therefore, drivers and pedestrians must be aware of how each vehicle may be going when they approach an intersection. If one mistake or mishap occurs in this shared and complicated space, pedestrian accidents will likely occur.
Negligent driving behavior
Unfortunately, just like any other area of the road, intersections are places where negligent driving behavior occurs. For example, a driver may pull out their phone and read a text message while waiting for the driver in front of them to make a turn. While doing this, they may become caught up in the text message and fail to realize that they are holding up traffic. When the vehicles behind them start beeping their horns, the driver may panic and hit the gas pedal without realizing that the light has already turned red and the pedestrians who have the right of way are crossing. As a result, they may hit a pedestrian. Other negligent driving behaviors that frequently occur at intersections and place pedestrians in harm’s way are aggressive driving, speeding, running red lights, reckless driving, and more.
The need to quickly grasp or understand traffic complexities
Intersections usually involve multiple lanes, merging points, and turning lanes, making them very complex road junctions. Therefore, when a driver approaches an intersection, they must be very careful and cautious of their surroundings and develop a quick understanding of the area. This means that they must quickly observe the situation and determine who has the right of way. Accidents are likely to happen if any misunderstandings or false moves are made at intersections, putting pedestrians at risk of catastrophic injuries.
What are the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in Nashville?
According to WKNR.com, several different intersections are considered dangerous for pedestrians across the Nashville area. The list of compiled intersections was determined by looking at the vulnerable areas where pedestrians have been injured or killed. Here are the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in Nashville:
- Lafayette Street and Charles E. Davis Boulevard
- Gallatin Pike and Berkley Drive
- Gallatin Pike and Madison Street
- Murfreesboro Pike and Millwood Drive
- 14th Avenue North and Broadway Street
- Gallatin Pike and Neelys Bend Road
- Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and 5th Avenue North
- Nolensville Pike and Welshwood Drive
- Murfreesboro Pike and East Thompson Lane
- Gallatin Pike South and Maple Street
If you or a loved one has recently suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, the pedestrian accident lawyers at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm can help. Our team knows and understands the complexities of pedestrian accidents, especially at intersections, and how they can affect a person’s entire life and well-being going forward. When you work with our team, you can have peace of mind, knowing that you have attorneys who will guide you through the legal process, take some of the burden and stress off your shoulders, and fight for the compensation you deserve to rebuild your life again. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. For your convenience, we have offices in Nashville, East Nashville, Hendersonville, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro.