KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Julie Tallent has major safety concerns at her home on the corner of East Emory Road and Brown Gap Road in Gibbs after seeing four wrecks in less than 15 days.
“We've had them in our yard, we've had them knock down our mailbox, we've had telephone poles replaced,” Tallent said.
Three out of four recent wrecks were on East Emory Road, but the most recent driver ended up in her front yard.
Tallent’s security camera shows a driver slamming into her tree early Wednesday morning.
The victim was able to get out of his car and knock on her door for help.
First responders arrived at the scene soon after the incident and the man was taken to the hospital for his injuries.
“I think they just come around the curve so fast and then it's there's no time to stop,” Tallent said. “It's just been an ongoing issue.”
Drivers on East Emory Road in Gibbs speed around the turn leading up to Brown Gap Road, endangering people turning left on Brown Gap.
Tallent’s camera documents all the wrecks. She says there have been several accidents since she installed the camera a few years ago.
This danger near Brown Gap Road is just a part of the whole on Emory Road.
According to data from the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, there have been 12 crashes involving death or serious injury from January 2020 to the end of April 2022.
Two people died in those wrecks and 20 people were seriously injured.
None of the reported crashes happened at Tallent's intersection, but she has the footage to prove it and wants to see changes now before more people are hurt.
“I definitely think there needs to be some form of a turn lane or street light because this has been going on for 12 years,” Tallent said. “It's been terrifying to hear it and see it.”
The Tennessee Department of Transportation said they are planning improvements on East Emory Road.
If there is a road you think should be made safer call TDOT at 865-594-2400, leave a message at 1877 SMARTWAY, or email tdot.comments@tn.gov.