Safety improves on Tennessee roads
Tennessee's traffic fatality statistics are improving. The THP is indispensable for motorists caught on the road in accidents or breakdowns, and provides useful advice for motorists waiting for help.
May 31, 2013
Tennessee residents are fortunate to have the assistance of the Tennessee Highway Patrol when they run into trouble on the road. Statistics measuring safety on state roads show steady improvement.Fatalities are down
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security have published records of traffic deaths dating back to 1950. For more than 40 years, from 1965 through 2008, over 1,000 people died each year in Tennessee motor vehicle crashes. In 2009, the total dropped to 986. After a rise back over 1,000 in 2010, the total went down again, to 938 in 2011.
The numbers are even more impressive in terms of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven in Tennessee. In 2011, the state had just 1.33 motor vehicle accident deaths per 100 million VMD, the lowest rate on record. This rate is less than a fifth as high as the earliest rate shown, 8.28 in 1950.
Every day with the THP
Fatal accidents are fortunately relatively uncommon, but there is plenty of work for the THP. Officers respond to over half a million calls for help every year. Since the officers can't be on the spot immediately, the THP has provided guidelines for motorists to follow while waiting for help, in case of an accident or breakdown.
When there is trouble, get to a safe place
Whenever possible, a driver who has been in an accident or whose car is malfunctioning should immediately get the vehicle off the road. It is best to steer to the right shoulder, well out of the traffic lanes, and turn the front wheels to the right so the car won't be pushed into traffic if it is hit from behind.
If it is not possible to move to the right side of the road, the driver should try to get the car out of the flow of traffic, possibly into a median strip if there is one. Drivers should avoid stopping on a bridge or adjacent to a guardrail.
If the traffic is heavy and people in the car are worried about staying there, it may be a good idea to leave the car and walk to a safe place. Nobody should stand next to, in front of or behind the car. If people are injured and cannot be moved, then of course they will have to stay at the car and wait for medical help to arrive.
Help from other sources
The work of the THP can only go so far. When someone is hurt in a motor vehicle accident, medical professionals take over and play their part. It is also important to be adequately compensated for injuries that happened because of a negligent driver, and an experienced personal attorney is a vital resource.
An attorney can file a claim to seek payment for medical expenses, compensation for pain and suffering, and replacement of lost wages. If someone has tragically been killed, the attorney can assist with a wrongful death claim.
Article provided by Soble, Poss & Moore PLLC
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