As of this year, Tennessee law does not allow you to hold your cellphone while you drive a vehicle. While you may follow this law, other Tennessee drivers and tourists in the area may not.
In 2018, Tennessee had 24,600 crashes caused by distracted driving. And according to a study by ValuePenguin, Tennessee had the most deaths in the country related to distracted driving between 2015 and 2017. While the new law hopes to change those numbers, distracted driving is still a serious concern to Tennessee drivers.
Tennessee distracted driving statistics
Data collected from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security found that Shelby County had 27% of the state’s distracted driving accidents between 2009 and 2019. Three counties in the Nashville area accounted for another 21%.
With the growing population and high volume of tourists, these areas have helped contribute to the high rate of distracted driving accidents and deaths in Tennessee.
Drivers in east Tennessee still at risk of distracted driving
The Great Smoky Mountains area may not have as much traffic as Nashville or Memphis. But you are still at risk of distracted driving accidents. Tourists coming in to see the natural beauty of east Tennessee may not be familiar with the steep, curving roads of the area. If another driver chooses to use the phone while driving, that driver puts you in danger of severe injury or death.
Distracted driving can cause serious, life-altering accidents. Make sure to contact an attorney if another driver hits you while using a cellphone. When drivers take their attention away from the road, they put your life in danger.