Data shows that Tennessee has seen an upward trend in the number of serious car accidents in recent years. One of the major causes for these accidents is motorists failing to yield to traffic signals at intersections. In fact, the Tennessee Department of Safety reports there were almost 40,000 Tennessee car accidents recorded at intersections in 2008. Davidson County had the highest number of intersectional crashes with 6,026 accidents at road crossings.
Despite these numbers, Tennessee legislators recently passed a law that could significantly increase the chances of motorists being involved in car accidents. According to an article from The Tennessean, the law—which took effect on July 1—allows motorists to pass through a yellow light at an intersection as long as their front tires cross the stop line before the light turns red.
Many citizens believe the change in the law may encourage drivers to engage in dangerous behavior by attempting to get through traffic signals before lights change to red.
The Nashville personal injury attorneys with Ponce Law remind drivers that although traveling through yellow lights is legal under the law, it may not always be safe to proceed. That’s why we encourage motorists to do their part by stopping at signals when lights turn yellow.