Decrease in fatal accidents in Tennessee before holiday period

Fatal crashes in Tennessee have decreased, with 483 traffic fatalities reported so far this year compared to 546 at this time last year, marking an 11.5% decline. Data from the Tennessee Department of Safety also indicates a 13.3% decrease in fatal crashes from 2023 to 2024, with 630 fatal crashes recorded in 2023. In June, 49 fatal crashes were reported, a drop from 99 last June and 102 in June 2023. According to Stephanie Milani, the public affairs director of AAA Tennessee, fatalities can be prevented by addressing key factors such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and seatbelt use. The agency's data shows significant reductions in fatal crashes due to distracted and impaired driving, speeding, and lack of seatbelt use during the first part of 2025. While it's not clear why these numbers have decreased, factors like enforcement, education, and increased awareness may play a role. Milani emphasized the importance of taking traffic safety seriously and highlighted the need for drivers to be cautious and responsible behind the wheel. AAA Auto Club Group in Tennessee urges drivers to avoid speeding, driving impaired or distracted, always wear a seatbelt, and show caution around disabled vehicles or emergency vehicles on the roadside, as required by Tennessee law.