Author: Anthony Proffitt

Many oppose drive-through liquor stores

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date July 25, 2012

Drive-through fast food restaurants are a fixture in this country. Drive-through coffee shops are also becoming more common. But how about buying a 30-pack of beer without leaving your car? Tennessee is one state that allows drive-through convenience and liquor stores, and some people believe they only enable people to drive drunk.

Do such establishments contribute to drunk driving accidents? It’s not easy to find direct evidence, but some studies seem to point to “yes.” A study from another state back in 1998, for example, took a look at people arrested for drunk driving and found that many of them preferred to purchase liquor at the drive-up stores.

While many states besides Tennessee have such stores, others have banned them outright. Efforts to open drive-through establishments often are met with criticism in the states that technically allow them.

Some argue that people who want to buy liquor are going to do so wherever they can purchase it, whether it is a drive-through store or not. But others would counter that the practice makes it easier for people to drink in their vehicles.

One man, who was convicted of drunk driving after a crash killed his passenger and severely injured another, apparently visited a drive through store on the day of the crash. He bought a 30 pack of beer, never left his vehicle, and then returned to the store for more. Incidents like that have prompted those seeking a ban on such stores to ask, “What more evidence do we need?”

Source: LoHud.com, “Concern over drive-up alcohol sales spurs efforts at ban,” Alison Bath, July 10, 2012

Car Accidents

Collision leads vehicles to crash into the woods on I-40

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date July 23, 2012

It was anything but a typical commute this morning for drivers on Interstate 40 in Knoxville. A collision between a car and a pickup truck caused both vehicles to crash and veer off the road into the woods. Multiple people were taken to local hospitals with a variety of injuries.

The car accident reportedly happened on the interstate between the Cedar Bluff and I-140 interchanges. It’s not known what caused the collision, but a Toyota Camry and a Ford F-150 pickup truck made contact in the eastbound lanes of I-40.

The impact apparently caused both vehicles to veer off the road and crash into the nearby woods, which separate the road from a nearby motel on Kingston Pike. The 41-year-old driver of the Camry, along with two passengers who were riding in the vehicle, were taken to University of Tennessee Medical Center. Their conditions were not immediately released, but the injuries were apparently non-life-threatening.

The 68-year-old driver of the pickup, meanwhile, was treated at Parkwest Medical Center for his injuries. The Nashville resident’s injuries were also not described as life-threatening, according to media reports.

Since the accident happened at about 6 a.m. this morning, commuters no doubt wondered what was going on as they observed the two vehicles being towed from the depth of the woods. Police are still trying to piece together what happened to cause the accident, and it was unclear if charges would be filed.

Source: Knoxville News Sentinel, “Vehicles crash into woods alongside I-40 near Cedar Bluff,” Don Jacobs, July 23, 2012

Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Safety Department, Knoxville officers aim to reduce road deaths

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date July 19, 2012

In our post earlier this week, we told you how the number of Tennessee traffic deaths is on the rise. Compared to this time last year, there have been at least 30 more deaths in 2012. With a lot of people purchasing new bikes, the number of motorcycle accidents has risen significantly in the state, too.

Local officials intend to do something about the alarming numbers, and they are teaming up with Knoxville police officers to try to reduce the number of fatal car accidents. The Department of Safety and Homeland Security commissioner reportedly talked to Knoxville troopers recently about ways reduce deadly accidents.

The idea is to be even more proactive in enforcing rules and issuing citations. Troopers have apparently made 42 percent more DUI arrests compared to this time last year. In addition, citations for seat belt violations are up a whopping 52 percent from last year. The commissioner thinks that the work the troopers are doing will ultimately have an impact on saving lives.

One reason such citations are up is because drunk driving and failing to wear a seat belt are common elements in car accidents this year. About one in three Tennessee car accidents this year involved drunk drivers, and about half involved un-seat belted motorists.

Clearly, there are serious safety issues that need to be addressed, and hopefully Tennessee drivers will get the message that driving more safely and cautiously can save lives.

Source: WBIR, “Tenn. works to decrease number of deadly crashes,” July 18, 2012

Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Tennessee traffic deaths at over 500 and counting

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date July 16, 2012

The Tennessee Department of Transportation recently started posting fatality counts on message boards that sit over interstates. As motorists drive under them, it may make them think about how to avoid serious crashes, such as by slowing down and paying more attention. At least, that’s what transportation officials are hoping.

It’s the most recent tactic being used to decrease fatal accidents. Unfortunately, fatal car accidents are on the rise in the state. At this point last year, there had been 477 fatalities on Tennessee roads. So far this year there are already 508 and counting.

In one recent weekend alone, 15 people were killed in accidents. Transportation officials are definitely concerned in the recent rash of accidents, as well as the overall increase in fatalities this year.

As traffic deaths tend to decrease year-to-year in the U.S., it’s a bit puzzling why Tennessee isn’t following that trend. Part of the problem may be the spike in motorcycle accidents. The state recently logged the 75^th motorcyclist death this year.

It’s hoped that the signs and similar measures will help drivers slow down and take a look at what’s happening. Since the fatalities tallies have been implemented, the increase has, well, decreased. When the TDOT began posting the numbers in April, there had been a 13 percent year-to-year increase in accidents. That number has since fallen to just over 6 percent, so it’s possible that the signs are having the intended effect.

Source: The Tennessean, “Tennessee road deaths surpass 500,” Nicole Young, July 7, 2012

Drunk Driving Accidents

Knoxville woman facing DUI, other charges for crash

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date July 12, 2012

People take a risk if they drive under the influence. They put not only their own safety in jeopardy, but that of their own passengers and other motorists who happen to get in the way.

After a crash that recently injured several people, including children, a Knoxville woman will be facing charges of driving under the influence, vehicular assault, child restraint an improper passing, according to media reports. The car accident happened on State Highway 33 in Maynardville in Union County recently.

The woman was headed south on the highway in her 2002 Ford Explorer. Her three children, including 5-year-old twins, were in the car, and while they were wearing seatbelts they apparently were not in appropriate car seats.

The woman apparently attempted to pass another vehicle and crossed into the northbound lane. But she lost control of her vehicle, veered onto the shoulder and then into oncoming traffic. She collided head-on with a Lincoln Navigator driven by a 52-year-old man.

The SUV rolled over, injuring the woman and her children. All of the children were taken a hospital. One of them had been trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated. The other driver wasn’t hurt, but his 51-year-old passenger reportedly sustained injuries.

The accident shut down the highway for a time.

In addition to the DUI and related charges, the 25-year-old woman is facing charges of driving with a suspended license and driving without insurance.

Source: Knoxville News Sentinel, “Driver in Maynardville crash facing DUI charge,” Jennifer Brake, July 5, 2012

Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Saturday proves to be deadly day on Knoxville roads

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date July 9, 2012

The weekend was a particularly deadly one on Nashville-area roads. Two separate crashes claimed five lives on Saturday.

The first fatal car accident occurred after 6 a.m. on Middlebrook Pike near Weisbarger Road. A Toyota Camry apparently entered the center median and hit a tree, killing the 24-year-old driver and his 17-year-old passenger.

The second accident, which happened about 20 minutes later on Wears Valley Road, was perhaps even more horrific. In that accident, the driver of a Ford Ranger crossed the center line and collided with a Honda Civic head-on.

A firefighter happened to pass by on the way to work and encountered the accident, which he called a “scene of devastation.” Most of the victims had to be extricated from the vehicles, a process that took over an hour and 15 minutes in all. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the 26-year-old driver of the Honda was killed in the accident, as were two of his backseat passengers, ages 57 and 52, respectively. All were from out of state.

The driver of the Ranger and a front seat passenger in the Honda were airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center. The driver of the Ranger was reportedly listed in critical condition.

It’s not entirely clear what caused the crash, but alcohol is not believed to be a factor, police say. Citations and possible criminal charges are pending against the driver of the Ranger, who is the son of the Blount County Highway superintendent.

Source: Knoxville News Sentinel, “Three killed in head-on collision in Sevier County,” Lance Coleman, July 7, 2012

Drunk Driving Accidents

Woman charged with death of husband in 2010 DUI crash

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date July 2, 2012

It took over two years, but a driver is now behind bars for a drunk driving accident that claimed the life of her husband. She’s now facing serious charges, including vehicular homicide and DUI.

The woman and her husband had both apparently been drinking the night of the fatal crash on May 16, 2010. She was driving their Mitsubishi Eclipse on Ashville Highway in Sevier County when she apparently lost control of the vehicle in the eastbound lane, overcorrected and crossed the highway, according to authorities.

The vehicle apparently veered off the road and crashed into a tree. The woman’s 39-year-old husband was killed in the crash, which happened just after 2:15 a.m. He had not been wearing a seat belt. A report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol says that it was eventually determined that the 35-year-old woman was drunk at the time of the crash.

She was arrested last week on a sealed presentment, which was signed by a grand jury in November 2010, and was kept private until she was arrested. Authorities say that she is charged with vehicular homicide by intoxication, vehicular homicide and DUI. She is reportedly being held at the Sevier County Jail on $200,000 bond. She is set to be arraigned in late August.

The woman, who sustained injuries in the accident as well, had apparently been on the run since being indicted by the grand jury in November 2010.

Source: Knoxville News Sentinel, “Woman whose husband died in 2010 Sevier County crash charged with vehicular homicide,” Natalie Neysa Alund, June 29, 2012

Car Accidents

What should I do after a car accident?

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date June 27, 2012

Anyone in Tennessee who’s ever been in a car accident has probably asked themselves the question, “What am I supposed to do now?” Most people know that it’s important to exchange insurance information with the other driver and file a police report after a car accident. But there are other things to keep in mind, too.

The Better Business Bureau offers some tips about towing vehicles and auto repairs after an accident. Here are a few of them.

• Towing: Call your insurer from the scene of the crash. If a tow truck that arrives isn’t marked, ask the driver for identification. Otherwise, make sure the sign on the truck matches the name of the company you called. Do not give the tow truck operator any information they should not need, including your personal lien holder information. Also, do not use tow truck operators who show up to the scene unsolicited.

• Auto repairs after an accident: Ask people you know for mechanics they trust. You can also ask your insurance agent, who will likely know of many mechanics in the area. You can even call and interview mechanics; if they are happy to help you, that’s a good sign. If they aren’t, it isn’t. It’s also best not to pay for repairs until they are entirely complete.

These are just a few of the things to keep in mind if you get into a car accident. If an unexpected conundrum pops up, it’s always best to listen to your instincts.

Source: Oak Ridger, “BBB watch: What to do after a car accident,” June 27, 2012

Motorcycle Accidents

Helmet laws weaken as motorcycle deaths surge

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date June 25, 2012

We recently told you about a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that shows how motorcycle helmets save lives. Despite the evidence, fewer states require motorcycle helmets than in decades past, and there’s an alarming trend in the number of fatal motorcycle accidents.

Back in the 1970s, all but three states required riders to wear motorcycle helmets. Now only 19 states maintain this requirement. (Most of those states do require helmets for younger motorcyclists.)

This may be a result of pressure from motorcyclists who do not think they should be forced to wear helmets if it’s not their preference. The American Motorcyclist Association says that it opposes helmet requirements because they have “unintended consequences.” Instead, the group emphasizes rider education and awareness.

Still, it’s hard to argue with the numbers. Back in 2002, there were about 3,200 motorcycle deaths. Less than a decade later, in 2010, there were 4,500. And that number has essentially doubled since the 1990s. Yet the number of people dying in car accidents is at its lowest point since the 1940s. Something’s off here, but what?

It all comes back to the CDC report, the results of which have been mirrored in many other reports over recent decades: Helmets save lives. In fact, hundreds of lives are saved every year by motorcycle helmets.

Still, many riders look at the helmet issue as one of personal liberty. The question comes up again and again: Can laws require people to do something for their own safety even if they don’t want to? Or do the social costs of not wearing a helmet outweigh that concern? The debate isn’t going away anytime soon.

Source: PBS, “Why rise in motorcycle deaths hasn’t meant tougher helmet laws,” June 19, 2012

Motorcycle Accidents

Crash with tractor-trailer kills motorcyclist in Alcoa

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date June 21, 2012

As we reported in a recent blog post, data continues to support the stance that wearing a motorcycle helmet can save a rider’s life in the event of a motorcycle accident. Unfortunately, it’s never true 100 percent of the time.

A 25-year-old motorcyclist from Maryville was killed last week when his bike struck a tractor-trailer that was attempting to make a U-Turn. The accident happened on Hall Road close to Associates Boulevard in Alcoa.

A man driving a 2007 Kenworth truck for TLD Logistics Services in Knoxville was apparently trying to make a left U-turn. The motorcyclist, who was riding a 2006 Kowasaki motorcycle, apparently approached the semi in the northbound left-hand lane. He was unable to stop and slid directly into the side of the tractor trailer.

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders, according to a police sergeant. The Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Alcoa Fire Department were among the responders. The 30-year-old truck driver, who is from Sparta, was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and was not injured.

It’s not clear if charges are pending. The investigation was continuing after the accident.

Sadly, the crash shows that even with proper protective gear, such as helmets, motorcyclists are still vulnerable to injuries in accidents, particularly ones involving big vehicles. That makes it all the more important for bikers and other drivers to keep a proper lookout to avoid such accidents in the first place.

Source: The Daily Times, “Motorcyclist dies in collision with tractor trailer,” June 15, 2012