Are the Roads in Tennessee Really among the Most Dangerous Roads in America?We are a mobile people; we are constantly on the go. Therefore, we rely on our cars to take us places and to see faces. But we cannot always rely on the roads we drive on, and some roads are safer than others. The federal government has compiled a list of the top ten states whose roads are the most dangerous nationwide. Our great state of Tennessee ranks number ten on this list. Ranking number ten is good as opposed to ranking number one. But are the roads in Tennessee in bad shape? Or are Tennessee drivers just unsafe drivers?

Some Tennessee drivers may be unsafe drivers. Nevertheless, research and records sadly indicate that Tennessee roads are in bad shape. Roadway deaths are much more likely to occur on Tennessee roads in particular than on American roads in general; almost sixteen deaths for every 100,000 Tennesseans occur statewide, while almost eleven deaths for every 100,000 Americans occur nationwide. On average, roughly 1.11 vehicle-related deaths per 100 million miles driven occur on U.S. roads, and 1.41 vehicle-related deaths per 100 million miles driven occur on Tennessee roads. Age, funding, weather, and disrepair contribute to this bad shape. Many Tennessee roads are decades old and narrow two-lane stretches. Floods, tornados, and other angry acts of Mother Nature damage the roads; they often seem to damage the roads faster than construction and repair crews can work.

In addition, money is required to maintain, repair, and update the roads. Obtaining the necessary funding is not easy. From 2009 to 2015, Congress approved and provided short-term funding as opposed to long-term funding. State and local funding is likewise difficult to obtain, especially for fixing our more rural roads. In 2013, more than half of all the miles driven stretched through countryside. The urban landscape versus rural landscape difference matters because country roads often have two lanes only, higher speed limits, and less traffic – and that last condition can make it hard for local municipalities who are already struggling for cash to dedicate extra money to repairing them.

Tips to be safe on Tennessee roads

If Tennessee roads are dangerous, what can drivers do to keep themselves safe? A lot of it boils down to common sense, but there are other tricks you can use to protect yourself as well. Drivers should:

  • Select vehicles with great safety records
  • Fasten their seatbelts
  • Be aware of their surroundings, watching out for other drivers, pedestrians, etc.
  • Have few or no distractions
  • Refrain from using their cellphones unless it is important, necessary, or during emergencies
  • Refrain from texting
  • Use their car headlights
  • Abide by the speed limits
  • Be well-practiced in defensive driving maneuvers and tactics
  • Refrain from drinking alcohol and using drugs
  • Keep a safe distance from other vehicles
  • And allow themselves to rest during long trips

Continue to rely on your car, but be careful when you traverse Tennessee’s dangerous roads. Safe driving does not automatically translate into no wrecks or injuries; you still could get injured while on the road. If you are injured because of an accident, you may have grounds for a legal claim. For more information, contact the Knoxville auto accident attorneys at Banks & Jones. Call them at 865-546-2141. They proudly serve Knoxville and other areas of the Volunteer State.