Most Dangerous Roads in Nashville During Summer Travel Season
With 17.1 million visitors each year, Nashville is becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. With infrastructure no longer supporting the current volume of traffic, accidents have spiked in the Music City. Summer months only exacerbate traffic concerns, causing a further increase in crashes. Unfortunately, sometimes no level of safety measures can prevent you from falling victim to a crash. As always, our Tennessee car accident lawyers at Raybin & Weissman are available to determine the worth of your accident claim.
I-40
Interstate 40 runs directly through Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, three cities that experience particularly high levels of traffic. Being a major freight corridor, I-40 is flooded with tractor-trailer trucks. This creates a significant risk for summer travelers when the speed limit reaches up to 70 miles per hour in certain sections. Certain locations pose more substantial hazards, particularly in Nashville, where multiple intersections meet.
I-24 Near Downtown Interchange
Interstate 24 near the downtown interchange experiences a significant number of accidents each year. Being one of the largest growing commuter corridors, last-minute lane changes and heavy traffic can prove fatal. Most notably, the Antioch corridor (mile marker 57 to 64) has been among the deadliest. As of this year, three fatal accidents were reported at mile marker 62 (near Old Hickory Boulevard).
Nolensville Pike
One of the busiest streets in Nashville, with heavy commercial traffic, pedestrian crossings, and retail store driveways on Nolensville Pike, has resulted in an uptick in rear-end collisions. The intersection of Welshwood Drive and Nolensville Pike has been identified as a particularly dangerous location, with several pedestrian fatalities being reported there. Given these constant hazards, Nashville DOT has initiated the Nolensville Pike Project in an effort to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and those using public transit. The project is set to repair sidewalk connections, install additional street lighting, and adjust signal timings.
Briley Parkway (State Route 155)
Riddled with last-minute merges, confusing interchanges, and heavy traffic, Briley Parkway connects several major interstates. One of the most dangerous roads in the city, chain reaction crashes are not uncommon (especially when more visitors are traveling this stretch of highway). Although this is a road best avoided, it does allow tourists to bypass the congestion of downtown.
Gallatin Pike (in East Nashville and Madison)
Frequent speeding, poorly lit sections, and a high volume of commercial vehicles make Gallatin Pike one of the most dangerous roads in central Tennessee. The number of collisions is most notable between Old Hickory Boulevard and DuPont Avenue in the city of Madison. The prevalence of accidents has prompted the city of Nashville to name Gallatin Pike as part of its Vision Zero Plan initiative.
Liability in a Nashville Car Crash
Determining liability after a car accident in Nashville is rarely straightforward. Depending on the circumstances, more than one party may share responsibility for a crash.
A negligent driver is the most common at-fault party, but liability can also extend to:
- Vehicle manufacturers if a defect contributed to the collision
- Government entities if a dangerous road condition was a factor
- Employers if the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle in the course of their work
Our Tennessee car accident attorneys will investigate your crash thoroughly, identify every responsible party, and fight for the full amount you are owed.
Injured? Speak with Our Tennessee Car Accident Lawyers
While summer is the perfect time to explore Music City, it does not come without risks. As an out-of-state resident, it is important to know what roads and highways should be avoided in this entertainment hub. Nevertheless, not all accidents are preventable. If you have been involved in a crash, the legal team at Raybin & Weissman is here to help. To arrange your free consultation with one of our Tennessee car accident attorneys, contact us online or by calling (615) 256-6666.