Driving Safety Tips for Your Tennessee Road Trip
With over 96,000 miles of highways crisscrossing Tennessee, the Volunteer State is a road tripper's paradise. Over 144 million visitors traveled to Tennessee in 2023 to enjoy the state's natural beauty and musical attractions, spending $30 billion. According to Nashville car accident attorneys, increasing vehicles on the road increases the likelihood of collisions. If you're involved in a crash, skilled attorneys in Nashville and nearby areas can provide support. But, before hitting the open roads, keep these driving safety tips in mind.
Plan Your Route to Avoid Car Accidents in Tennessee
Map out your Tennessee trip route in advance using a GPS or mapping app. The state has 4,557 highway miles with at least 4-foot shoulders to accommodate bicycles, so plan for sharing the road. Check TNSmartWay Traffic or dial 511 for real-time information on weather conditions, construction zones, and traffic incidents along your route. This helps you navigate around potential delays. At Tennessee gas stations, expect to pay around 27.4 cents per gallon in state tax and 18.4 cents in federal gas tax.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Statistics show that properly maintained vehicles have about a 12% lower crash rate compared to poorly maintained vehicles. Before your Tennessee trip, get an oil change, check tire treads and pressure, inspect wipers, and ensure all lights work. Performing routine maintenance reduces the chances of a breakdown.
Mind Your Speed to Prevent Car Accidents
Obey posted speed limits across Tennessee. According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, it would cost an estimated $26 billion to alleviate traffic congestion on the state's interstates. Excessive speeding only worsens congestion problems. Leave early and don’t speed.
Rotate Drivers
Drowsy driving causes over 328,000 crashes every year. Avoid driving tired by switching drivers every few hours and scheduling regular stops to walk around and recharge. Don't drive more than 8-10 hours in a day.
Watch for Wildlife to Avoid Tennessee Highway Crashes
Tennessee is home to deer, bears, coyotes, and even elk. Pay extra attention and reduce speed when driving through wooded areas or crossing wildlife corridors. If an animal appears, brake but avoid swerving, which can cause a more severe crash.
Buckle Up
Seat belts saved nearly 15,000 lives in the U.S. in 2018 alone. Tennessee has a primary seat belt law, so police can pull over and ticket unbuckled drivers or passengers. Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt or appropriate child restraint.
Avoid Distractions
Up to 25% of traffic crashes involve driver distraction. Tennessee bans all cell phone use for novice teen drivers. Avoid phones, loud music, rowdy passengers, eating, grooming, or any other activities that take focus off the road. Pull over if you need to focus on another task.
Obey Tennessee’s Move-Over Laws to Avoid Accidents
When approaching stopped emergency or service vehicles with flashing lights, carefully change lanes or slow down. This "Move Over" law protects roadside crews and first responders. Fines start at $100 for violations.
Stay Calm and Drive Safely
Don’t let traffic delays, construction zones, or other drivers’ errors escalate your stress while driving. Anger leads to aggressive choices like speeding, tailgating, and erratic lane changes. Listen to calming music and focus on driving safely within your control. If you follow all this advice and still find yourself involved in a traffic accident, consult reputable car accident lawyers.
With thoughtful preparation, properly maintained vehicles, and smart driving habits, your Tennessee road trip will be an enjoyable adventure. Focus on the journey and spectacular scenery, not on timelines. Prioritize safety for everyone out on the Tennessee highways.
Pic: https://www.pexels.com/photo/road-below-a-mountain-2495407/