Nashville Accident Statistics

Top Reported Causes of Car Accidents in 2021

Statewide (January 13, 2022) – New data obtained from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) reveals five top contributing factors to serious and fatal car accidents in 2021.

According to the data, the top reported cause of motor vehicle accidents last year was drunk driving, at 14.7%. Drugged driving was next, with approximately 11.4% of all serious wrecks involving a driver under the influence of drugs.

Speeding accounted for about 10.8% of accidents that resulted in serious injuries or death. Distracted driving, including behaviors such as texting and driving, accounted for more than 8.8% of accidents. Finally, drowsy driving was a known factor in about 2.6% of serious or fatal crashes. Source: THSO

Drugs, Alcohol Account for 20.4% of Crashes

Statewide (December 23, 2021) – According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol have been a contributing factor in approximately 20.4% of all serious injury or fatal car accidents this year.

To date in 2021, there have been 1,225 serious and/or fatal accidents involving a drunk or drugged driver in Tennessee. 773 of these crashes resulted in serious injuries, while 452 resulted in one or more fatalities. Roughly 41.1% of all intoxicated driving accidents only involved alcohol, 31.8% only involved drugs, and the remaining 27.1% involved both drinking and drugs.

Although drinking and driving was responsible for about 66% of serious injury impairment-related accidents, drugged driving contributed to 63.4% of fatal wrecks involving intoxication. Source: THSO

Improper Following Leads to Deadly Crash

Nashville (December 9, 2021) – Three vehicles were involved in a deadly car accident in Bellevue last Friday, according to police. 65-year-old John E. Taylor of Nashville was killed in the wreck, which occurred in the 7300 block of Highway 100, near Edwin Warner Park. The preliminary contributing factor to the crash was following too closely.

Metro Nashville Police say that Taylor had slowed down or stopped to make a left turn when 22-year-old Jenna Capraro hit the back of his vehicle. The impact of the rear-end collision sent Taylor’s vehicle into oncoming traffic, where it was hit on the passenger side by a third vehicle.

Taylor, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from his vehicle and later died at the hospital. No one else was seriously injured. Source: Fox 17

Speed, Distraction to Blame for Chain Reaction Crash

Williamson County (November 18, 2021) – Investigators say a distracted and speeding motorist is to blame for an interstate pileup last Thursday involving multiple vehicles. Traffic was at a total standstill on I-840 when an SUV rear-ended another passenger vehicle, setting off a chain reaction of collisions.

According to police Lieutenant Chris Mobley, the driver of the SUV was not paying attention and could not stop in time, swerving to the right and striking four other vehicles including a wrecker and two semi-trucks. One witness described seeing one of the SUV’s tires fly off the vehicle, and another saw the SUV “flipping and flailing” through the air.

First responders expressed both surprise and gratitude that no one was seriously injured in the accident. Source: WKRN

Man Narrowly Avoids Death from Exploding Car Battery

Nashville (October 21, 2021) – It’s been a little over two months since Drew Kubinski nearly lost his life on a Nashville interstate. The 22-year-old was driving a 2006 PT Cruiser that had been converted into an electric vehicle when the lithium ion battery beneath the driver’s seat shorted and exploded.

Kubinski slammed on the brakes and managed to jump out of the vehicle as it was still traveling approximately 15 to 20 miles per hour down the highway. Even with his quick escape, he still sustained third degree burns that required four surgeries and extensive ongoing physical therapy.

Kubinski said he originally purchased the modified electric vehicle from a car conversion company. It’s unclear what caused the battery to explode or whether it may have been defective. Source: News 19

Street Racing Leads to Mt. Juliet Crash

Mount Juliet (September 30, 2021) – Three people suffered injuries in a car accident as a result of illegal street racing on September 25.

According to the Mount Juliet Police Department, they were notified by Metro Nashville police officers of illegal street racing going on on Lebanon Road near Andrew Jackson Parkway around midnight. When police attempted to stop the two cars involved, both drivers sped off in opposite directions. At least one of the vehicles was traveling over 100 mph.

The chase came to an end when one of the drivers hit two vehicles on Lebanon near Benders Ferry Road, causing them to roll over. Three people were transported to the hospital, one from each vehicle. Tennessee Highway Patrol and Metro Police are investigating and are expected to charge the street racer with reckless driving. Source: News Channel 5

Underage Drinking to Blame for Boating Accident

Jacksboro (September 9, 2021) – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) reported that two people from Ohio were injured on Labor Day after a boating accident on Norris Lake, located in Campbell County.

According to a press release, Cincinnati resident Madison Fantanelli was operating the boat when two passengers, a man and a woman, fell overboard while standing on the boat’s bow. Both were then run over by the boat. William Tyler Sharp suffered deep lacerations from the boat’s propeller and was airlifted to the hospital, while Gabriella Wimmer was treated and released at a local medical center.

Fantanelli has been charged with reckless operation of a vessel in addition to underage alcohol consumption. In total, the TWRA reported five serious injury boating accidents over the holiday weekend. Source: TWRA

More Than 600 Serious Accidents Caused by Impaired Driving

Statewide (August 26, 2021) – There have been 616 serious car accidents caused by drunk drivers in Tennessee this year. According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), 160 crashes involving impaired driving in 2021 have resulted in fatalities. In addition, there have been 456 drunk driving accidents that resulted in serious injuries.

To date, driving under the influence has been responsible for the highest number of traffic accidents compared to other common causes of car accidents. Drunk driving has accounted for roughly 15.4% of all serious accidents, followed by drugged driving at 11.9%, speeding at 11.6%, and distracted driving at 8.3%.

Other common factors in serious Tennessee accidents include unbelted occupants (56.4%), senior driver involvement (16%), and motorcycle involvement (14.3%). Source: THSO

Improper Lane Change Leads to Multi-Car Crash

McMinn County (August 5, 2021) – At least one person has died after a car accident yesterday in McMinn County. The crash occurred on Interstate 75 between Charleston and Athens around noon.

According to the preliminary report by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the crash involved vehicles in both directions, including an Acura and a Volvo commercial truck in the southbound lanes, and a Ram truck and a commercial Freightliner in the northbound lanes.

The Volvo reportedly changed lanes improperly, causing the Acura to cross the median and spin out. The Volvo crossed into the northbound lanes and hit the Ram truck head on, killing the driver. The commercial Freightliner traveling behind the Ram then slammed on their brakes and struck the Volvo. Multiple additional injuries have been reported. Source: News Channel 9

Failure to Yield Causes Ambulance Crash

Johnson City (July 22, 2021) – Three people were injured Sunday night after a truck and an ambulance crashed near the intersection of Hopper Road and West Market Street. The car accident occurred around 8:16 p.m. in Johnson City, Tennessee.

According to Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), an ambulance with its emergency equipment on was heading east on Market Street as 56-year-old Richard Willey Hoilman turned onto Market from Hopper Road, failing to yield the right of way. The ambulance attempted to avoid Hoilman’s Nissan Titan but crashed into the truck before leaving the roadway and traveling down an embankment.

The ambulance driver and two passengers inside the ambulance were injured. Hoilman was not hurt in the crash and was charged with failure to yield and driving an uninsured, unregistered vehicle. Source: WJHL

December Serious & Fatal Crash Statistics

Statewide (January 6, 2022) – The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) reported 425 fatal and serious injury crashes in the month of December. According to the preliminary data breakdown, there were 341 serious injury accidents and 84 fatal crashes.

December was the second least deadly month for car accidents in Tennessee in 2021, trailing behind February which had just 363 crashes. Serious injuries and deaths last month were down 31.6% from their peak in October 2021.

Despite the drop at the end of the year, overall serious and fatal car accidents in 2021 rose by nearly 9% compared to the previous year. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, and distracted driving appear to be top contributing factors to 2021 crashes. Source: THSO

November Serious & Fatal Crash Statistics

Statewide (December 3, 2021) – The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) reported 441 fatal and serious injury crashes in the month of November. According to the preliminary data breakdown, there were 355 serious injury accidents and 86 fatal crashes.

This represents the lowest number of car accidents reported in one month since February. Accidents dropped by 28.9% from the previous month, and by about 14% from last November.

Overall serious and fatal car accidents for the year are up by about 8.1% compared to this time last year. In total, there have been 1,169 deadly accidents and 4,628 serious injury wrecks in Tennessee in 2021. If your or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, our Nashville personal injury lawyers can help. Source: THSO

October Serious & Fatal Crash Statistics

Statewide (November 4, 2021) – The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) reported 583 fatal and serious injury crashes in the month of October. According to the data breakdown, there were 483 serious injury accidents and 100 fatal crashes.

October has had the third-highest number of car accidents of any month this year, surpassed only by May and June. Compared to October 2020, overall crashes are up by about 2.8%. However, the number of fatal crashes in October 2021 are down by 19.4% compared to last October.

So far in 2021, serious injury and fatal collisions are up by about 9.3%. In total, there have been 1,059 deadly accidents and 4,257 serious injury wrecks in Tennessee this year. Source: THSO

September Serious & Fatal Crash Statistics

Statewide (October 8, 2021) – The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) reported 539 fatal and serious injury crashes in the month of September. According to the data breakdown, there were 441 accidents that resulted in serious injuries and 98 crashes with fatalities.

Overall serious car crashes have been steadily declining since May, when the number of accidents peaked at 602. Fatal crashes, however, peaked in June, with 142 deadly accidents reported statewide. So far in 2021, there have been 4,772 serious crashes, 959 of which have resulted in at least one death.

Both serious injury and fatal collisions are up by about 9.6% compared to this time last year. From 2019 to present, drunk driving has been the top contributing factor to 17.6% of serious crashes in Tennessee. Source: THSO

August 2021 Fatal & Serious Injury Crash Stats

Statewide (September 16, 2021) – The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) reported 556 fatal and serious injury crashes in the month of August. According to the data breakdown, there were 449 accidents that resulted in serious injuries and 107 crashes that resulted in one or more fatalities.

It’s the third month in a row this year that the overall number of serious crashes has decreased from the previous month. Serious car accidents peaked in May, with 602 crashes reported. Year to date, serious injury and fatal accidents are still up by 10.7% compared to this time last year.

Some of the most common factors in serious crashes last month included drinking and driving (12.6%), speeding (11.7%), driver distraction (9.5%), and drug use (8.6%). Source: THSO

Road Fatalities Dip Slightly in July

Statewide (August 19, 2021) – The number of serious injury or fatal crashes on Tennessee roads decreased slightly last month to the lowest levels the state has seen since March. In July, there were 559 deadly or serious injury accidents, compared to 589 in June.

According to the data, 335 car crashes last month involved a driver or passenger who was not wearing a seatbelt. In at least 60 of those accidents, one or more occupants was killed.

Motorcycle accidents also made up a large portion of last month’s crashes at 113, with at least 25 proving fatal. In addition, at least 46 crashes involved a pedestrian or bicyclist. Drugs and alcohol appear to be the largest contributing factor to crashes, with 121 accidents attributed to impaired driving. Source: THSO

Fatal Crashes Trending Upwards in Tennessee

Statewide (July 15, 2021) – The number of fatal crashes on Tennessee roads has increased in recent years. In 2020, there were 1,221 deadly traffic accidents throughout the state—the highest number since 2006.

Unfortunately, 2021 isn’t looking much better. Already this year there have been 659 fatal motor vehicle accidents, including 86 motorcycle crashes, 78 semi-truck accidents, 78 pedestrian accidents, and 10 ATV accidents. Speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted driving have been a factor in nearly 55% of fatal crashes. Nearly 68% of crashes have involved at least one occupant who was not wearing a seat belt.

Serious injury crashes are also on the rise, with 3,233 crashes reported this year involving fatalities and/or serious injuries. This represents a 14.4% increase compared to this time last year. Source: THSO

Temps, Traffic Crashes Continue to Rise

Statewide (June 3, 2021) – As summer approaches, both temperatures and serious car accidents are on the rise throughout Tennessee. The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) reports that crashes resulting in fatalities or serious injuries are up by 18.8% when compared to this time last year.

In all, 2,417 people have been killed or seriously hurt in traffic accidents throughout the state in 2021. The highest number of people who have been injured or killed in crashes all year occurred in May, with 94 recorded deaths and 469 serious injuries.

The most common factor in all fatal and serious accidents? Not wearing a seatbelt. THSO has recorded 1,340 deadly or serious injury crashes that involved unbelted occupants this year. Our Nashville personal injury lawyers remind motorists to always buckle up. Source: THSO

Fatal and Serious Accidents Up by 16.4%

Statewide (May 6, 2021) – Fatal and serious traffic accidents have risen by more than 16% compared to last year’s figures. The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) reports that nearly 1,900 crashes have resulted in serious injury or death in 2021.

April was a particularly deadly month, with 108 fatal accidents in addition to 398 serious or catastrophic injury crashes. Shelby County, home to Memphis, has experienced over 45% of this year’s fatal and serious accidents. Davidson County, home to Nashville, has seen the second highest number of crashes, making up about 28% of all accidents in the state.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident through no fault of your own, legal assistance and compensation may be available. Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today for more info. Source: THSO

Serious Crashes Up by 7.2%

Statewide (April 8, 2021) – Serious and fatal accidents have risen by at least 7.2% compared to this time last year, according to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO). There have been 1,352 traffic accidents in 2021 which have resulted in serious injury or death.

In March alone, 93 crashes resulted in fatalities throughout the state, with another 394 accidents causing serious or catastrophic injuries. Most of these were car accidents, although motorcycle accidents, semi-truck accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents also account for a significant number of injuries and deaths.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident through no fault of your own, legal help and compensation may be available to you. Contact a Nashville personal injury lawyer for a free consultation. Source: THSO

Two Killed In Nashville Multi-Car Crash

Nashville (May 17, 2022) – A two-car accident in South Nashville killed the occupants of a GMC Sierra truck on May 15, 2022. The truck was speeding when it collided with a Nissan Sentra backing out of a driveway. The driver of the GMC lost control of the vehicle, veered off the road, and collided with a utility pole. Both the driver and passenger were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

The driver and passenger of the Nissan were sent to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. There were no indications of drunk driving or other impairment at the accident.

Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys in Nashville if you or a loved one has been harmed in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Source: nashville.gov

Nashville Woman Killed by Hit and Run Driver

Nashville (January 20, 2022) – A woman was killed in a pedestrian accident on Saturday night in Nashville. According to authorities, an unknown vehicle was traveling north on Dickerson Pike and struck the woman. The victim has been identified as 34-year-old Ashley Young, and the driver is believed to have fled the scene.

Police say they are unsure if Young was walking on the side of the road or attempting to cross the street when the hit and run accident occurred. No signs of impairment have been found by investigators, but they are working with businesses in the area to obtain potential video footage of the accident so they can identify the suspect.

Anyone with information about the driver or the vehicle is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Source: WKRN

Motorcyclist Killed in Left-Turn Accident

Clarksville (December 30, 2021) – A motorcyclist died on December 26 after they collided with a passenger car at the intersection of Tiny Town Road and Twelve Oaks Boulevard in Clarksville. After conducting a preliminary investigation, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) has reported that the crash was caused by a Nissan Sentra turning left into the pathway of the motorcyclist.

25-year-old Dakota Nearing was riding their Kawasaki Ninja west on Tiny Town on Sunday night when the unnamed 20-year-old driver of the eastbound Sentra attempted to turn left onto Twelve Oaks. Nearing was thrown from the motorcycle and landed on top of the Sentra.

The intersection did not have a traffic signal, and Nearing was determined to have had the right of way. The driver of the Sentra was also injured, and may face charges. Source: Clarksville Now

12 Vehicles Involved in Interstate 40 Accident

Nashville (December 16, 2021) – Twelve vehicles, including a public school bus, were involved in a car accident on Interstate 40 on Monday afternoon. According to the Nashville Fire Department, the collision occurred around 3:30 p.m. and involved 10 cars, a dump truck, and a special education bus from Harris-Hillman School.

The accident was preceded by a dump truck that overturned near mile marker 202, spilling gravel across the highway and causing multiple collisions. Seven people in total were transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, including one Harris-Hillman student, a bus monitor, and the school bus driver.

None of the people taken to the hospital were seriously or critically injured. This accident is under investigation by police. Source: The Tennessean

Man Killed in Crash with Nashville School Bus

Nashville (November 24, 2021) – For the second time in the past week, there has been a fatal school bus accident in Nashville. Police say that Emmanuel Edmondson was killed on November 22 when an SUV struck his sedan, causing him to crash into the front of a school bus. The school bus had no passengers on board at the time of the accident.

The driver of the SUV, 66-year-old Deborah Moore, was attempting to turn left onto Dickerson Pike from Lemuel Road when she collided with Edmondson’s Volkswagen Jetta in the southbound lanes. The force of the collision sent the 19-year-old’s car directly into the path of the school bus. Edmondson’s speed and Moore’s failure to yield both contributed to the deadly accident. Source: Fox 17

Pedestrian Struck by Double Decker Tour Bus

Nashville (October 28, 2021) – A woman is in critical but stable condition after being hit by a double decker tour bus in downtown Nashville. The pedestrian accident occurred just before 5:00 p.m. last Saturday near the intersection of Broadway and 4th Avenue.

The unnamed woman was reportedly in the crosswalk when she was hit by a bus that was turning. She was then trapped beneath the bus before being rescued by the Nashville Fire Department. Although she was in the crosswalk, Metro Police say that the bus had the right of way.

At the same time, a downtown safety ambassador who witnessed the accident expressed concerns that downtown Nashville is not safe for pedestrians and that certain streets should be closed to traffic on busy nights. Source: WATE 6

Woman Killed in Downtown Nashville Scooter Crash

Nashville (October 14, 2021) – A woman died over the weekend in an apparent scooter accident in downtown Nashville. According to Metro Police, 54-year-old Melinda Lovelady was riding a Lime electric scooter on 3rd Avenue South near Symphony Place when the deadly crash occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Lovelady, who was from Tyler, Texas, was reportedly riding the scooter in the northbound lane of 3rd Avenue when she swerved, crossed into the southbound lanes, and struck the rear tires of a semi-truck. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Although there were no signs of alcohol involvement, toxicology testing is being conducted by the medical examiner. The scooter has also been impounded for further investigation. Source: News 4 Nashville

Parents Encouraged to Participate in Seat Check Saturday

Statewide (September 23, 2021) – The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) is encouraging parents across Tennessee to prioritize their children’s safety by participating in Seat Check Saturday on September 25, 2021.

The event, which takes place during Child Passenger Safety Week, focuses on making sure parents and caregivers know how to properly select and install age-appropriate car seats for kids. According to THSO, the average misuse rate for car seats in Tennessee is an alarming 87%, putting children at a high risk of being injured or killed in the event of a car accident.

If you need assistance making sure your child’s car seat is installed correctly, there are dozens of community fitting stations in the Nashville area and throughout Tennessee. Visit this link to find a location near you. Source: THSO

Nearly a Dozen Bridges Damaged Due to Flooding

Tennessee (September 2, 2021) – Four state-owned bridges have been destroyed and another seven local bridges have been closed pending repairs in Middle Tennessee. 10 of the affected bridges are primarily located in Humphreys County, with another in Hickman County.

The significant amount of structural damage was caused by severe flooding that hit the area in late August, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). It took more than a week for crews to clean up debris and inspect 100 bridges for signs of damage, bridge scour, and roadway erosion.

TDOT says that repair and replacement projects won’t begin until fall and may take a year to complete. In the meantime, traffic has been diverted to help reduce the risk of car accidents caused by structural damage. Source: The Tennessean

Driver Blames Faulty Brakes for Crash That Killed Pedestrian

Nashville (August 12, 2021) – A driver who hit a pedestrian with his car on Interstate 40 claims that his brakes went out prior to the collision. The deadly accident occurred near the Charlotte Pike Exit Ramp just before 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

53-year-old Simone Pierson was sitting on a milk crate on the shoulder of the highway when she was hit by the unnamed 74-year-old driver. Pierson was taken to a local hospital, where she later died. The driver told Metro police that his brakes went out as he attempted to exit the highway, causing him to swerve into the woman. He also sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.

Police continue to investigate this tragic accident. They do not believe drugs or alcohol were involved. Source: Fox 17