Fatal crashes, pedestrian deaths up this year in Nashville: MNPD

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — New data obtained by News 2 shows deadly crashes are on the rise in Nashville this year, including a sharp increase in pedestrian fatalities. According to numbers from the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), the city has recorded 45 fatal crashes so far in 2026, resulting in 47 deaths. At the same point last year, Nashville had seen 32 fatal crashes and 37 deaths. In all of 2025, MNPD reported 103 fatal crashes that killed 115 people. Pedestrian deaths have seen the most dramatic increase. MNPD data shows 14 pedestrians have been killed in Nashville so far this year. By comparison, there had been three pedestrian deaths at this point in 2025 and 11 during the same period in 2024. The increase comes as Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s administration continues to expand Nashville’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. The city’s approach has focused on infrastructure upgrades, intersection redesigns and transportation improvements through the “Choose How You Move” program. Officials have said they prioritize work along Nashville’s “High Injury Network,” which includes roads with the highest concentration of severe and deadly crashes. City leaders have continued to emphasize street safety projects in recent months, including pedestrian improvements and traffic-calming measures.  Metro Police haven’t released additional details about what may be contributing to this year’s increase in deadly crashes and pedestrian fatalities.