Tennessee law enforcement officials have voiced serious concerns about a recent analysis of TN car accident fatality data so far in 2012. Since the beginning of this year, there have been more than 330 reported road deaths in Tennessee, a figure which represents a 13% increase compared to the same time last year. Authorities are uncertain as to why this spike in car accident fatalities has occurred, but many have put the blame on an increase in speeding or drunk driving. To help reduce the incidence of traffic deaths, state troopers have begun posting current fatality counts on state highways, hoping to promote safe driving practices among Tennessee motorists. If you have been injured in a TN car accident, or if you lost a loved one in such an accident, contact our qualified car accident attorneys at Michael D. Ponce & Associates today.
In an effort to understand why this increase in TN car accident fatalities has occurred, Tennessee officials have examined the common causes of past motor vehicle accident deaths in the state. In 2011, there were 158,000 motor vehicle accidents in Tennessee, nearly 5,000 of which involved alcohol and over 8,000 of which were caused by speeding. That same year, 947 people were killed in auto accidents on Tennessee roadways, a decrease from 1,032 in 2010. Of these traffic deaths, 180 involved senior drivers, 119 involved teen drivers and 114 involved involved motorcycle riders.
In order to help curb traffic deaths, law enforcement in TN has focused on three groups that have been determined to be at-risk: drivers who don’t wear seat belts, motorcycle riders and male drivers ages 18 to 34. With an early increase in temperatures this year, many motorcycle riders have hit the road early in the season, which could have contributed to the rise in car accident fatalities so far this year. Failure to wear a seat belt is also believed to be a major cause of traffic deaths in Tennessee. On April 6, TN state troopers were told to focus exclusively on seat belt enforcement for the day, pulling over a staggering 1,101 vehicles in which the seat belt law was not being followed. Unfortunately, young male drivers are believed to be at higher risk for car accidents, as men between the ages of 18 and 34 are more likely than any other age group to drink and drive, not wear their seat belt, and re-offend after being caught doing either of these things.
Car accidents are a major cause of devastating injury and tragic loss of life in Tennessee. In addition to immediate injuries, TN auto accidents can also result in crippling medical bills, permanent disability, emotional pain and suffering, and long-term complications. If you or a loved one has suffered from a serious Tennessee car accident injury, or if you lost a loved one in a Nashville auto accident, contact our experienced car accident lawyers at Michael D. Ponce & Associates to discuss your legal options. You may have grounds to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the person found at-fault in the accident, in order to pursue financial compensation for your current medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, and more.