5 Biggest Causes of Car Accidents in Tennessee
According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, there were 175,219 car accidents in 2020. Unfortunately, this means that car accidents in Tennessee, as in all other states, happen every day. We all do our part to be the most attentive drivers we can be and prevent accidents by following the applicable laws and rules. Learn more about the 5 biggest causes of car accidents in Tennessee and what you can do to prevent an accident:
1. Distracted Driving
One of the top reasons people get in accidents is because of distracted driving. In 2020, there were 20,424 distracted driver accidents. A cell phone is the most common form of distracted driving, but there are other causes as well. If you are behind the wheel, you should connect your phone to Bluetooth so you don’t have to touch your phone to answer it. If a text comes in while you are driving, wait until you are at your destination to look at it. No one’s life is worth losing over a phone call or a text message.
2. Driving Under the Influence
Another major cause of car accidents in Tennessee is driving under the influence. In 2020, there were 5,890 accidents caused by drivers being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You should never get behind the wheel when you have been drinking or taking drugs. Your impairment could seriously injure someone or cost them their life or your own. If you are under the influence, be smart and ask for a ride home or use a ride sharing app or call a taxi. There are special rules that apply to DUI accident cases and our lawyers are particularly aware of how to use those rules to maximize the value of your case.
3. Speeding
Speeding is a major cause of car accidents in Tennessee. There are speed limits in place for a reason, and it is to keep all drivers safe. If someone is speeding, especially when road conditions are not ideal, this can contribute to an accident. Be on the lookout for speed limit signs so you know how fast you are allowed to go on the road you are traveling. Speeding can cause a fender bender or it can cause a fatal accident, so please do your part and stay within the limit.
4. Running a Stop Sign or Red Light
You want to be paying attention the entire time you are behind the wheel of a vehicle. Sometimes things distract us or we aren’t paying close enough attention, and you could run a stop sign or a red light. You may be hit by another car, but the accident would be considered your fault because you did not properly follow the laws or pay attention to your surroundings.
5. Weather
Inclement weather can also be a cause of car accidents in Tennessee. While none of us can control the weather, you can control your vehicle. Obviously, you should not speed when it is raining or snowing, but these conditions sometimes require prudent drivers to slow down well below the speed limit or even stop and wait for better conditions. Slow down if you need to, and be prepared to stop if you must. The roads can be slick and dangerous during inclement weather, so avoid driving during these times if you can, and if you must drive in inclement weather, give yourself extra time to reach your destination to ensure that you can reach your destination on time without exceeding a speed limit that is safe for the conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.
These are just some of the causes of car accidents in Tennessee. Have you been injured in a car accident and want to pursue an injury claim? Contact one of our lawyers today to discuss the next steps.
