Nashville, the beating heart of Tennessee, thrives as a hub of music, culture, and commerce. An essential component of this bustling activity is the constant movement of goods, with large commercial trucks playing a pivotal role in supporting our businesses and economy. While these trucks are undeniably vital, they also bring unique risks to our roads. As we kick off our series on “Commercial Vehicles: Trucks and Vans,” this first post delves into the dangers posed by large trucks in Nashville, backed by some alarming statistics.
Statistical Overview:
In recent years, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol TITAN Division Statistics Office, Tennessee has witnessed concerning trends related to large truck accidents:
- There were 12,221 motor vehicle crashes involving large trucks.
- One in 14 TN motor vehicle crashes involved a large truck.
- One in six (195) TN crash fatalities had a large truck involved.
- One in three crashes involving a large truck took place on an interstate, highlighting the risks of high-speed collisions.
Key Dangers:
- Size and Weight: Large commercial trucks’ massive size and weight mean that in collisions, smaller vehicles and their occupants can bear the brunt of the impact.
- Blind Spots: Large trucks can have significantly bigger blind spots or “No-Zones” around their front, back, and sides, invisible to the driver.
- Driver Fatigue and Behavior: Six percent of large truck drivers involved in crashes were following improperly (not maintaining a safe following distance behind another vehicle), indicating potential fatigue or distraction.
- Cargo Issues and Weather Conditions: Improperly secured cargo can pose risks, especially in adverse weather. Notably, two out of every 15 daytime crashes occurred in the rain.
- Maneuverability Challenges: Trucks require more room to turn, change lanes, and navigate. This is particularly evident in intersection crashes: one in four of these involved a large truck, with one in five crashes occurring while turning left and 4 in 27 crashes failing to yield or turning improperly.
Local Challenges and Frequency:
In addition to the inherent dangers of large trucks, the frequency of these accidents in Tennessee is troubling:
- A crash occurs every 3 minutes and 0 seconds.
- An intersection crash takes place every 8 minutes and 58 seconds.
- One person loses their life in a crash every 7 hours, 13 minutes, and 3 seconds.
- Every 1 day, 3 hours, 1 minute, and 39 seconds, alcohol plays a deadly role in a crash.
- Every 1 day, 21 hours, 30 minutes, and 46 seconds, a life is lost in a crash involving a large truck.
- One person is killed in an accident involving a teen driver every 2 days, 19 hours, 34 minutes, and 9 seconds.
- A pedestrian loses their life every 2 days, 3 hours, 22 minutes, and 6 seconds.
- A child under the age of 18 is killed every 7 days, 4 hours, and 14 minutes.
Conclusion:
The statistics are a stark reminder of the risks posed by large trucks on Tennessee roads. As Nashville continues to grow and evolve, our collective responsibility is to ensure safer roads for everyone.
If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident with a large truck, don’t hesitate to contact our Nashville office at 615-244-2111 for a complimentary, confidential consultation, chat with us, or fill out a form. We will assess your case at no expense to you. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if we secure a settlement or jury award for you.
Stay safe out there.
Because we care…
