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Car Accidents

Knoxville firefighter involved in head-on crash

Firefighters usually respond to accidents rather than being involved in them. But it can happen, and a crash this week is no exception.

A Knoxville firefighter who had just gotten off a 24-hour shift apparently crossed the center line while driving home on a recent morning. Police say he veered into the path of an oncoming sport utility vehicle and hit it head-on. Both he and the other driver were injured in the car accident.

The 29-year-old firefighter had been driving on Chilhowee Drive just past 7:30 on Wednesday morning when the accident occurred. Ironically, he was rescued by his own department after the accident trapped him in his vehicle. Crews had to work for 30 minutes to free the man, who was conscious at the time. His injuries included damage to his lower extremities, according to reports.

Both the driver and the 51-year-old driver of the SUV were taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center following the accident. On Wednesday, they were both listed in stable condition, according to Knoxnews.com.

It’s unclear what caused the man’s vehicle to veer into the other lane, but it’s possible sleep deprivation was a factor. Police are continuing to investigate the crash, and no charges have been filed at this point.

Police say they know the driver of the SUV was wearing her seat belt, although they are unsure if the firefighter was wearing his at the time of the crash.

The man is a firefighter at the Chilhowee-Holston Hills Fire Station No. 16.

Source: Knoxnews.com, “Knoxville firefighter injured in head-on collision,” Don Jacobs, Nov. 2, 2011

Categories
Motorcycle Accidents

Deer collisions prove problematic for drivers and motorcyclists

We are now at the height of deer collision season, and that spells trouble for both drivers and motorcyclists. Deer breeding season, during which young bucks seeking a mate cause does to scatter, often results in more car and motorcycle accidents. It’s especially important for motorists to be aware and drive cautiously.

According to the Times News, deer collision data released by State Farm Insurance shows that Tennessee ranks 29th in the nation for the number of deer-related car accidents. That puts the average driver’s odds at 1 in 223 of striking a deer in Tennessee. Over in West Virginia, it’s even worse; that state ranks number one.

Some deer seek shelter in populated areas like subdivisions and state parks. That means you don’t have to be driving in a heavily wooded area to encounter deer.

Experts say that the most common mistake for motorists is to swerve when they encounter a deer. Running off the road to avoid the animal is often more deadly than striking a deer head-on.

An expert biologist, as well as State Farm, have released tips that may help motorists who encounter deer. Here are just a few.

• Deer are most active between 6 and 9 p.m. Be on the lookout then.

• Deer whistles do not always work well. Don’t rely on them alone.

• Keep a slow or steady speed when entering a wooded area.

• Using high beam headlights can help drivers spot deer entering the roadway.

November is the most active month in terms of deer collisions. It’s imperative that drivers, motorcyclists and the like keep a lookout.

Source: Times News, “Look out drivers: It’s deer collision season once again,” Kevin Castle, Oct. 30, 2011

Categories
Car Accidents

Driver arrested for hit-and-run involving toddler

A Knoxville woman was arrested this week for an alleged hit-and-run of a toddler on Wednesday. She says she was drinking at the time of the car accident. The woman has a history of traffic and criminal violations, including driving with a revoked license and a drunk driving conviction.

An 18-month-old was apparently hit by a car at about 5:20 p.m. on Wednesday. The owner of the Dodge Intrepid involved in the accident fled. Police later tracked the woman down, apparently determining she was the driver.

The boy, meanwhile, was taken to University of Tennessee Medical Center and was listed in stable condition, according to KnoxNews.com.

The woman was reportedly charged with driving on a revoked license and leaving the scene of an accident. More charges could be filed, since police say she admitted to drinking. Police say she has a criminal history that includes DUI, assault, disorderly conduct and public intoxication.

She apparently has traffic violations dating back to 1987 and was convicted of driving under the influence in 1993, after which her license was revoked for two years. She later pleaded guilty to driving without a license, according to KnoxNews.com.

The woman could be facing some serious charges for the most recent incident. The young toddler, meanwhile, could face a long road to recovery, and his family will likely have to deal with large medical bills and insurance claims. A qualified attorney could help them with the process.

Source: KnoxNews, “Toddler hit by car in stable condition; Knoxville woman with record charged,” Lance Coleman, Oct. 27, 2011

Categories
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Two killed, one seriously injured in Knoxville wreck

When weather conditions deteriorate, it’s especially important to stay focused on driving, to slow down and to pay attention. When drivers don’t, there can be fatal consequences. A recent fatal car accident in Nashville may be a good example.

An 18-year-old man and his friend, both recent graduates of Jefferson County High School, were apparently headed east in a Honda Accord on Interstate 40 near Asheville Highway late one night last week. It was raining heavily, and it appears the driver lost control of the vehicle.

The car apparently flipped over onto its side and crossed over the median into the westbound lanes of the highway, where it smacked into a Chevrolet pickup truck. The 18-year-old men were both killed, while the driver of the pickup suffered life-threatening injuries. The 49-year-old man, who is reportedly from Georgia, was treated at UT Medical Center, according to WBIR’s website. No other information was released regarding his condition.

The wreck was so bad that the interstate was closed down for several hours. Investigators apparently were not able to determine if the men were wearing seatbelts, or if speed could have been a factor in the tragic crash.

The accident not only caused the two teens their lives, but put the truck driver’s life at risk. His recovery will likely involve facing large medical bills and insurance claims, which can be difficult for anyone to deal with.

Please drive safely, and remember that merely slowing down and paying attention can save lives.

Source: WBIR, “Teens killed in car crash remembered as ‘outstanding young men’,” Brian Barger, Oct. 20, 2011

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