The National Safety Council collects data of all kinds about motor vehicle crashes as does the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. 

In general, traffic fatalities and injuries were down slightly in 2019 but motorists must be alert to the possibility of crashes including angle collisions. 

Across the nation 

The National Safety Council estimates that in 2019 there were 38,800 vehicle crash fatalities across the nation, which was down 4% from 2017. The NSC estimated “medically consulted” injuries from vehicle crashes in 2019 at 4,423,000. While this seems a high number, it is a decrease in traffic-related injuries from the year before. 

Closer to home 

In-state traffic crash information from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security shows that there were 1,162 fatalities related to vehicle crashes in 2019. That same year, the Department also lists 5,555 “suspected” serious injuries and 25,412 non-serious injuries resulting from traffic accidents. 

Types of crashes 

Angle collisions are responsible for the most traffic fatalities across the country, representing 7,400 in 2018. An angle collision is similar to a side-impact collision except that both vehicles involved are traveling in the same direction and collide, or one vehicle runs into a stationary object, like a guardrail, at an angle. In terms of traffic deaths, head-on collisions take a close second to angle collisions, followed by rear-end and side-swipe crashes. 

Common crash injuries 

As the NSC data shows, many crash-related injuries are not serious and consist primarily of bumps and bruises. On the other hand, even a low speed rear-end collision can cause debilitating, sometimes life-changing injuries. Serious car crash injuries include traumatic brain injury, spinal injuries and internal bleeding, which, if not treated promptly, could result in death. Victims of angle collisions often suffer broken ribs, a painful injury that may take weeks to heal. 

A look ahead 

Motorists must remain alert at all times, especially at intersections and in heavy traffic where incidents like angle and head-on collisions are prone to happen. It is always advisable to seek prompt medical attention following any kind of crash. A doctor’s report with a diagnosis and treatment information is essential when the time comes to file a claim for insurance compensation. 

New vehicles these days come with more autonomous features than ever, from lane assist to adaptive cruise control and more. In fact, fully autonomous vehicles are in the works, and may one day be seen on Tennessee roads. It is hoped that by eliminating human error through autonomous vehicles there will be fewer motor vehicle accidents. However, a study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety finds that autonomous vehicles may not be as safe as we wish.

According to the study, approximately two-thirds of collisions would still happen even if all vehicles on the road were fully autonomous. Per the study, currently nine of ten crashes involving human drivers are attributable to human error. However, around two-thirds of those crashes would still take place if the vehicles were autonomous, even though autonomous vehicles have a more accurate perception compared to people and are not subject to incapacitation. The study reports that to prevent car accidents, autonomous vehicles should be designed with safety in mind over rider preference.

The study does note, however, that autonomous vehicles perform well when it comes to low visibility on the roadway, roadway hazards and they can prevent distracted or drunk driving. However, these types of collisions only account for around one-third of motor vehicle accidents.

In the end, there is still work that has to be done on the automated vehicle front. We should not blindly trust that these vehicles will prevent all motor vehicle accidents. While autonomous vehicles do prevent some crashes, they are not infallible.

Over the past couple of decades, more and more sport utility vehicles rolled off dealer lots onto the roads and highways. The preference by consumers for SUVs seems logical from a functionality perspective, but it comes with a potential deadly side effect for pedestrians.

At the same time, distracted driving continues to plague U.S. roads. This only further increases the dangers faced by pedestrians. Some hope that advanced vehicle safety features provide the answer.

Surge in pedestrian deaths

According to data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, the number of people on foot killed across the country in motor vehicle accidents in 2018 was higher than in nearly three decades. Similarly, pedestrian deaths in accidents involving SUVs jumped a staggering 81% from 2009 to 2018, per data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Bigger vehicles, more severe impacts

When hit by a small vehicle, a pedestrian may experience the most impact in their legs or hips. They may also flip onto the hood of the vehicle. When hit by a tall SUV, a pedestrian may experience the greatest impact in their head or torso where their vital organs are. Instead of flipping onto the hood, the pedestrian might slide under the SUV.

Advanced technology, not-so-advanced results

Consumer Reports explains that one study conducted by AAA found some new vehicle technologies that tout pedestrian safety to seriously lack the ability to truly keep people safe.

Test vehicles driven at 20 miles per hour and equipped with systems to detect pedestrians and automatically stop the vehicles were reviewed. In daytime conditions, the vehicles only avoided hitting an adult-sized dummy in a crosswalk in 40% of scenarios.

There was a recent accident along a Knoxville highway, and a motorcyclist lost a life. Unfortunately, accidents involving motorcycles are common, and motorcycle riders receive the majority of injuries and fatalities.

Either motorcyclists or motorists can be at fault when accidents occur, and there are some safety tips both parties can follow to reduce crash risk.

Accident on I-40 kills motorcycle rider

According to the Knox News, around 9 pm on June 2^nd, a motorcycle crashed into the back of a passenger vehicle. Unfortunately, the rider was dead by the time help arrived. No one else suffered from injuries due to the crash.

Motorcycle accident stats

According to the National Safety Council, there has been a 200% increase in motorcycle deaths over the last 20 years. Even though only 3% of registered vehicles are motorcycles, they account for 14% of all traffic-related fatalities. 91% of those who die are male, and 28% of fatalities involve alcohol use.

Safety tips

Although investigators have not released more details about who was at fault for the Knoxville crash, the NSC reports that it is usually the driver of a motor vehicle who maneuvers into the path of a motorcycle. This is often because motorists do not think about motorcycles on the road, and they are more difficult to see due to their size and narrow profile.

Drivers should do a better job of looking for motorcycles, but the riders of motorcycles also can do their part. They should wear reflective and bright clothing to increase visibility. They should also ride defensively, stay out of other vehicles’ blind spots and avoid weaving into lanes. Motorcyclists can also reduce more serious injuries by wearing a helmet, ankle-high boots and durable clothing.