Blame it on the fact that people feel a little bit stir-crazy after the events of the last few years and are just sick of following rules. Or, blame it on the idea that new in-car technology is giving drivers a false sense of security when they’re in their vehicles.
Whatever the cause, Tennessee officials say that drivers are taking chances they shouldn’t – and that’s coming with deadly consequences.
New data shows that 2021 has been even worse than 2020 for fatalities
Even though people were driving less in 2020 than in 2019, 2020 had just as many or more roadway fatalities than the year before. Now, an analysis of the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s data shows that 2021 has been even more deadly than 2020.
According to Tennessee authorities, there were already 1,280 fatalities on the state’s roads by Dec. 17, which is up from the 1,160 total fatalities seen in 2020. That’s bad news, especially since the holiday rush, which always adds to the total, isn’t over.
What’s causing all the fatal accidents out there? The police say that – for whatever reason – drivers are simply taking too many chances. They’re:
- Driving faster, often exceeding the speed limit by double digits
- Forgetting basic safety rules, like putting their seatbelt on for short trips
- Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol more often
- Letting themselves get distracted by technology, including in-car enhancements
No matter what the reason for the uptick in dangerous driving behavior by a few people, it’s a problem for everybody who shares the road with them. If you’re seriously injured by a negligent driver or your loved one is killed, find out what it takes to hold the other party responsible.