According to data released by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the total number of traffic fatalities that occurred in the state has decreased in 2014 when compared to the previous year. The figures, which came from the department’s Research Planning and Development Division, suggest that there have been 62 fewer fatalities this year.
The division asserts that 796 fatal car accidents occurred in between January and October in 2013, while only 734 fatalities have been recorded in the same period this year. However, certain months did see an increase in fatalities. February saw an increase of eight deaths, and June’s figure increased by 13.
The data was broken down further and showed different details about the reported accidents such as land use, the age of certain drivers and whether the occupants were properly restrained at the time of the crash. For example, the data states that there was a net reduction in the number of fatalities involving non-motorists such as pedestrians and those on pedal-operated vehicles. Two more pedestrians were killed in the 2014 period while five fewer pedalcyclists lost their lives when compared to last year’s numbers. In addition, there were 10 fewer fatalities involving large trucks, but bus accident deaths increased from four to six.
While these numbers show that there may be some reduction in the number of fatal car accidents that occur throughout the state, each road user still faces a risk of injury. However, when a person is injured or killed in an accident that might have been caused by another party’s negligence, the at-fault party may be found liable for damages associated with the incident. Through a civil action filed in court, individuals who are negatively affected by another person’s negligence might be able to recover compensation.
Source: Tennessee Department of Safety and homeland Security, Research, Planning and Development Division, “Tennessee Traffic Fatalities – Daily Report”, Oct. 10, 2014
Source: Department of Safety & Homeland Security, “Crash Data”, October 09, 2014