Nashville, Tennessee, September 23, 2025
News Summary
A recent analysis by an injury law firm unveiled Tennessee’s most hazardous road stretches, particularly in Nashville. The report identified I-24 near Nashville International Airport as the deadliest roadway, with 35 fatal crashes from 2019 to 2023. Local officials are advocating for safety improvements at risky intersections, including Murfreesboro Pike and Bell Road, to reduce accident rates. Despite an overall surge in Nashville’s traffic accidents, pedestrian fatalities have declined.
Nashville, Tennessee – A recent report from an injury law firm has pinpointed some of the deadliest roadways in Tennessee, emphasizing safety concerns in the Nashville area. The analysis reviewed fatal crashes that occurred in Tennessee from 2019 to 2023, utilizing data sourced from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
According to the report, the most hazardous stretch of road in Tennessee is located on I-24, near the Nashville International Airport, where 35 fatal crashes were recorded over the five-year span. This particular segment begins near the Spring Street interchange and stretches southeast toward the Mill Creek Greenway Trail. I-24 is known for heavy traffic and significant congestion, especially during peak hours.
Two other segments of I-24 near Nashville share the eighth position on the deadliest list, each registering 16 fatal crashes. The second-busiest stretch highlighted in the report is located along I-65, which runs from Tristar Skyline Medical Center to Vanderbilt University, where it also recorded 16 fatal crashes. The report further identifies a critical segment of I-40 running through Downtown Nashville, from Tennessee State University to Nashville International Airport, tied for fifth place in terms of fatalities.
The I-40 corridor is recognized as one of the busiest interstates in the Nashville region, leading to a high incidence of accidents. Concern regarding road safety is shared by local officials, including a Metro Councilmember who is promoting changes at the intersection of Murfreesboro Pike and Bell Road, identified as one of Davidson County’s most perilous intersections. Between September 2022 and September 2025, this intersection witnessed 139 reported crashes, attributed to heavy traffic flow from all directions. The Councilmember has cited congestion and reckless driving as major contributors to the accidents.
Over the past year, more than 60 crashes occurred at the Murfreesboro Pike and Bell Road intersection, featuring various types of collisions, including rear-end and T-bone accidents. The entire Murfreesboro Pike corridor has been classified as a high-injury network as part of Nashville’s Vision Zero safety plan, which aims to reduce traffic fatalities to zero.
Recommended safety measures for the intersection include the installation of smart traffic signals, which could potentially mitigate congestion and enhance safety. However, improvements to this intersection and others in the area will take several years to be realized. Moreover, concerns over illegal street racing in the region have further put motorists and pedestrians at risk.
As for the statistics concerning the overall safety of Nashville’s roadways, the police reported 24,766 crashes by December 11, 2023, with an increase in crash numbers compared to the previous year. On a positive note, pedestrian-related fatalities saw a decrease from 48 in 2022 to 40 in 2023, while motorcycle-related fatalities escalated from 5 in 2022 to 19 in 2023.
In efforts to improve roadway safety, the U.S. Department of Transportation has allocated over $10 million for enhancements along Nolensville Road/Pike and Murfreesboro Pike. Metro Nashville intends to utilize these funds to upgrade traffic systems and elevate safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, the Nashville Department of Transportation plans to expand the use of LiDAR technology to monitor near-miss incidents involving pedestrians and vehicles.
Key Findings of the Report
- Deadliest Road: I-24 near Nashville International Airport with 35 fatal crashes.
- Other fatal crash statistics include segments on I-65 and I-40.
- Safety measures are proposed for the Murfreesboro Pike and Bell Road intersection.
- Funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation aims to enhance roadway safety.
FAQ
What is the deadliest road stretch in Tennessee?
The deadliest road stretch in Tennessee is on I-24, near Nashville International Airport, recording 35 fatal crashes over five years.
What are the other dangerous road segments in Nashville?
The I-24 segment has two other segments near Nashville tied for 8th place on the deadliest list, each with 16 fatal crashes. The second-ranking stretch is on I-65, running from Tristar Skyline Medical Center to Vanderbilt University, recording 16 fatal crashes.
What is the traffic situation at the Murfreesboro Pike and Bell Road intersection?
The intersection of Murfreesboro Pike and Bell Road is regarded as one of Davidson County’s most dangerous intersections, with 139 reported crashes from September 2022 to September 2025.
What funding has been allocated to improve roadway safety in Nashville?
The U.S. Department of Transportation has committed more than $10 million towards safety and efficiency improvements along Nolensville Road/Pike and Murfreesboro Pike.
Key Features Overview
| Road Segment | Fatal Crashes | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| I-24 near Nashville International Airport | 35 | Most dangerous stretch |
| I-24 (two segments near Nashville) | 16 each | Tied for 8th place |
| I-65 from Tristar to Vanderbilt | 16 | Second in fatalities |
| I-40 through Downtown Nashville | Tied for 5th | High traffic |
| Murfreesboro Pike and Bell Road Intersection | 139 (overall from September 2022 to 2025) | Critical intersection for safety improvements |
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Additional Resources
- WSMV: Report Reveals Deadliest Stretches of Road in TN
- FOX 17: A Call for Safety Fix at One of Nashville’s Most Dangerous Intersections
- Tennessean: Nashville’s Dangerous Intersections
- Axios: Nashville Nolensville Pike Federal Grant for Safety
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
Author: HERE Nashville
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