KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Twelve more people died in traffic crashes in Knoxville in 2023 than in 2022, according to the Knoxville Police Department. Forty-five people died last year in Knoxville crashes—including ten pedestrian fatalities and five motorcycle fatalities, KPD said.
"It's the most dangerous thing you do, and it's so random," said Caroline Cooley, who works with Bike Walk Knoxville, a group trying to make Knoxville more walkable. "I think about it every time I go out because I know what the statistics are."
Speeding, inattention to the road and a lack of seatbelt were the top contributing factors to those fatal crashes, according to KPD.
"We really would wish that drivers would be more respectful of those who are not in a motor vehicle, as well as just being respectful of other drivers," said Cooley.
Knoxville leaders are working on Vision Zero, a plan to eliminate all traffic fatalities on city-controlled roads by 2040. As part of the plan, a team of city leaders is using data and input from the community to identify where life-altering crashes are most likely to happen in Knoxville and prevent them in the future.
Steps in the plan include designating a high-injury network, including roads where most life-altering crashes happen, and identifying projects and strategies to reduce the number of fatal and injurious crashes. The city also plans to create a transparent platform to track progress on improving roadway safety.
"I think if we all do our part, between legislation, the police department and drivers, motorcycle riders — I think we can all come to a better place where we're eliminating more of it," said April Violet, a motorcycle advocate for Garza Law Firm.
The police department wants to remind the public to slow down, pay attention, buckle up and drive sober. A statement from a KPD spokesperson about the new traffic fatality data is available below.
“The increase in traffic fatalities is alarming, especially the elevated number of pedestrian fatalities, which reflects a national trend. Roadway safety is one of our top priorities. We will continue to work persistently to address and correct the behavior that threatens the safety of Knoxville roads and those who use them through high-visibility, proactive traffic enforcement and regular public awareness messaging. There are serious, potentially life-altering consequences from unsafe, inattentive or reckless driving habits. Motorists, as always, are encouraged to do their part to make the roads safer by slowing down, buckling up, paying attention and never getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.”