Tennessee records over 87,000 vehicle crashes annually, with approximately 1,323 fatalities reported in 2023 along with around 636 fatal crashes and about 48,105 injury crashes. While fatalities declined by roughly 4.2% from 2022 to 2023 and continue to show a downward trend in recent years, the state still maintains a higher-than-average fatality rate compared to the national average. Major contributing factors to crashes include speeding, aggressive driving, alcohol impairment, distracted driving and failure to use seatbelts, with large trucks involved in nearly 19.6% of fatal incidents. A significant portion of fatal crashes occurred in rural areas due to high speeds, two-lane highways and longer emergency response times, while vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists face increasing risks, particularly in urban areas like Memphis.
Cars were involved in 490 fatalities, accounting for 37% of all traffic deaths in Tennessee.
Motorcycles were involved in 203 fatalities, representing 15% of all traffic deaths.
Light trucks and SUVs had the second highest involvement, accounting for 368 fatalities, or 28% of all traffic deaths.
Buses and public transportations were involved in 11 fatalities, making up 1% of all traffic deaths.
Semi/Tractor Trailers were involved in 24 fatalities, representing 2% of all traffic deaths.
Pedestrians accounted for 186 fatalities, making up 14% of all traffic deaths.
• Most dangerous road in the state based on total crashes
• Connects major cities like Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville
• Over 500+ fatalities in a 10-year period
• Heavy truck traffic, hills and weather changes increase risk
• One of the deadliest highways, especially near Nashville
• A specific stretch has the highest fatal crash rate in the state
• Congestion, tourism traffic and steep terrain (Monteagle Mountain) make it hazardous
• Major north-south route with high-speed traffic and heavy trucking
• Frequent crashes due to congestion and long-distance travel routes
• Busy corridor through Nashville
• Known for traffic congestion, merging issues and high crash frequency
• High commuter volume increases accident risk
• Heavy commercial truck traffic corridor
• Rural stretches with high speeds and fatigue-related crashes
• Limited lighting and long-distance driving risks
Single vehicle fatal car accident occur on outside major cities.
of fatal car accidents in Tennessee happen in rural areas.
Multiple vehicle fatal car accidents occur in cities Nashville & Memphis.
of fatal car accidents in Tennessee happen in urban areas.
A car accident can be overwhelming and stressful, even if it's minor. Knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests. Here are five essential things to do after an accident:
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, it's important to get medical attention, as some symptoms may not appear right away. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic while waiting for help to arrive.
Always report the accident to the police. An official police report creates an objective record of what happened, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal matters. Cooperate with the officer, provide accurate information, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
If it's safe to do so, gather as much information as possible. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and attempt getting contact details from any witnesses in the area.
Even if you feel fine, consider seeing a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage can take hours or days to show symptoms.
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly and provide them with accurate details. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurers.
No riding in a house trailer while it’s moving
It’s illegal for passengers to ride inside a house trailer while it’s being towed on the road. The law aims to ensure the stability of the trailer and the safety of the occupants during transit.
The windshield must be clear of posters or signs
You can’t place non-transparent materials or signs on your windshield that block your view. Smaller decals up to 4 inches in size are allowed but only on the corner of the windshield away from direct sight.
No driving while asleep
It may be a bit difficult to imagine what necessitated this law, as it is impossible to carry out any complex functions while asleep, but one can assume at one time Tennessee must have had their fair share of sleepwalkers getting behind the wheel.
Fake Drug Checkpoints
Law enforcement in Tennessee is allowed to set up fake drug checkpoints, which prompts some drivers with illegal substances to panic and avoid the checkpoint. Police officers are trained to spot suspicious behaviour and pull over anyone who appears to be avoiding the fake drug checkpoint.
It is illegal to sleep in a rest area over night
While the state aims to discourage fatigued driving, it also does not allow drivers to sleep in their cars for over 3 hours in rest areas. Staying overnight on state properties not designated for camping can be considered a felony offense.
Unattended vehicle rules
You cannot leave a vehicle unattended without shutting off the engine. You are required to lock the vehicle and removing the key from inside the vehicle every time you leave the car unattended.
Using horns only when necessary
Horns should only be used for safety warnings, not for unnecessary noise or annoyance.