According to an Insurancejournal.com report, traffic-related deaths in Tennessee declined sharply in 2011, reaching its lowest figure in 49 years. The latest figures for last year show 926 people have died in crashes in the state, which is the fewest since 1962, which saw 811 fatalities. The state is particularly vulnerable to traffic accident fatalities because of the lengthy, widely-used interstate system that attracts out-of-state drivers. The main routes between much of the Midwest include Tennessee’s interstates 75, 65, and 24. Also, Interstate 40 is an east-west route that connects the two coasts, and both I-81 and I-181 cross the entire northeast of TN.
Statistics reveal that in 2011, May was the deadliest month on state highways with a total of 97 fatalities, and January was the safest with 51. In addition, there was a major decline in motorcycle accident deaths; 2010 saw 137 fatalities, and in 2011 it was down to 112. East Tennessee has proudly led the way in reducing traffic accident-related fatalities. In Monroe County, traffic-related deaths are down from 18 to seven; Campbell County is down from 21 to 12; Sullivan County dropped from 27 to 14; and the county of McMinn is down from 20 to 11. A Tennessee Highway Patrol officer attributes the low amount of fatalities to increased seat belt use, drunk driving enforcement, and educational safety programs in school, among other factors.
Though this new low in traffic accident fatalities is excellent news for TN residents, the possibility of being involved in a crash is still very likely as some motorists may not choose to exercise caution when behind the wheel. The traffic accident lawyers in Chattanooga with Massey & Associates, P.C. can help anyone injured in a traffic accident obtain compensation from at-fault parties for expenses like medical bills and lost wages. For a complimentary consultation on your case, please call (423) 697-4529.
