KNOXVILLE, Tenn — Fatal crashes are on the rise this year. Statewide data shows a 20 percent increase in 2021, compared to previous years.
This comes after a record high number of fatalities in 2020.
Even with less drivers out last year because of the pandemic, it was still one of the deadliest years in more than a decade.
In the East Tennessee region, there have been 73 fatalities this year. Last year at this time there were 51.
Statewide, there have been 586 fatalities this year. That's 100 more than last year.
In Knoxville, concern lies on I-40 specifically around Strawberry Plains Pike. A fatal wreck last week left traffic back up for hours.
Officials also caution drivers of Chapman Highway, where earlier this month a pedestrian was struck and killed.
"Most wrecks are preventable," said DJ Corcoran who is urging people to make a difference beginning this summer.
For him, it's personal.
"It was a head on collision for my son. He was not at fault."
His son, Pierce, was hit and killed in 2018, just several days after Christmas. The crash happened on Chapman Highway.
"There was a driver who wasn't paying attention and crossed that center line and hit my son head on and took his life."
As Knoxville Fire Captain, he sees the results of the deadly mistakes daily.
"It really hurts our guys when they see that and takes a toll on their psyche."
With local fatality numbers already higher this year than last, Corcoran has one simple message. For people to pay attention.
"If that's the message that can keep someone from having a wreck, that's what we'd like to get out to people," he said. "I wouldn't want anyone to go through what we've been through and continue to go through."
Being aware could just save your life.
Interstates and highways aren't the only concerns, more than half of crashes in this region happen on rural roads.
