Ongoing Crashes Show Why Nashville’s Safety Efforts Can’t Wait
Nashville has seen far too many tragedies on its streets. From Antioch to Germantown, deadly crashes continue to claim lives and leave families grieving. Whether it’s children trying to cross Bell Road, an elderly woman struck in a crosswalk on Jefferson Street, or teens killed on Mount View Road, these stories all point to the same problem: the city’s infrastructure hasn’t kept up with its rapid growth.
Recent headlines have brought pedestrian safety into sharp focus, and city leaders are finally taking steps to make improvements. But as any injured pedestrian or grieving family knows, change doesn’t come fast enough when lives are at stake. At the Law Office of Eric Beasley, our Nashville pedestrian accident lawyers helps victims and their families demand accountability when drivers fail to follow the law and tragedy strikes.
Nashville’s Most Dangerous Roads
For years, residents have raised alarms about unsafe roads in neighborhoods across Davidson County. In Antioch, drivers say Bell Road has become a hazard for anyone on foot or bike. Even with sidewalks, constant traffic and poor design make it difficult for pedestrians to cross safely. One driver recently told News 2 he often stops his car to help children cross the street near Hickory Hollow because there’s no nearby crosswalk.
Germantown faced its own tragedy when 77-year-old Dorothy “Dot” Dobbins was hit and killed while using a crosswalk on Jefferson Street. According to a report by WSMC, Metro Nashville Police said the driver failed to yield — a mistake that cost a life and shook the local community.
Then there’s Mount View Road, where a devastating October crash killed four teenagers and left another driver seriously injured. Investigators said the teens’ car was speeding and partially in the wrong lane when the collision happened. Neighbors told WSMV they’ve seen countless wrecks over the years and have pleaded for speed bumps and stronger traffic enforcement.
Each of these incidents stresses the same concern: too many Nashville roads were built for fast-moving vehicles, not for the pedestrians and families who live nearby.
Federal Funding Targets Safer Roads
In November, Metro Council approved more than $13 million in federal Safe Streets for All funding, matched by $3 million in local funds, to improve safety along Nolensville Pike — one of Nashville’s busiest and most dangerous corridors. The grant will support a 2.5-mile stretch between McCall Street and Haywood Lane, adding pedestrian lighting, better sidewalks, and safer crossings.
Councilmember Ginny Welsch called the upgrades “long overdue,” noting how many people have been injured or killed while walking or biking on the road. The improvements are part of Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s Choose How You Move initiative, a long-term plan to make Nashville safer and more accessible for all modes of transportation.
The Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT) has also been conducting safety studies on Jefferson Street and other high-risk corridors to identify problem areas and recommend design changes. City leaders hope these projects will reduce traffic deaths and make it easier for residents to walk, bike, or use public transit without fear.
Pedestrian Safety Still Depends on Drivers
While infrastructure changes are critical, pedestrian safety also depends on driver behavior. Many serious crashes stem from common forms of negligence such as speeding, distraction, or simply failing to yield at crosswalks. Under Tennessee law, drivers must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians, particularly in areas where people are likely to cross.
When drivers ignore that responsibility, the results can be catastrophic. Victims may face broken bones, head injuries, or lifelong disabilities, while some families are left grappling with unimaginable loss. Even with new safety programs in motion, individual drivers have the greatest power to prevent tragedy by slowing down and staying alert.
Why Using Crosswalks Matters Under Tennessee Law
Attorney Eric Beasley has a simple but important reminder for Nashville pedestrians: always use the crosswalk. As he explains, Tennessee’s pedestrian laws can be confusing, and crossing outside the designated area could affect your rights if a crash happens.
State law gives pedestrians in a crosswalk the right of way, but if someone crosses outside of it, vehicles generally have the right of way instead. There’s also a third rule requiring drivers to exercise caution and avoid hitting pedestrians whenever possible. That overlap can create legal gray areas when determining fault after an accident.
“Take the time, walk a few more feet and cross at the crosswalk,” Beasley says. “Because if you get hit by a car, you’re going to wish you did.”
Even though drivers have a duty to watch for pedestrians, crossing in marked areas isn’t just safer; it also strengthens any potential injury claim if you’re hit. The safest option, and the one most likely to protect your rights later, is to always use the crosswalk when one is available.
What Injured Pedestrians Can Do After a Crash
After a pedestrian accident, the most important step is getting medical care. Even injuries that seem minor can worsen quickly. Victims should also file a police report and gather as much evidence as possible, including witness statements and photos from the scene.
From there, it’s essential to talk to an experienced attorney. The The Law Office of Eric Beasley has represented injured Tennesseans for more than 25 years and knows how to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Attorney Eric Beasley and his dedicated legal team investigate crashes thoroughly, work with accident reconstruction specialists, and negotiate with insurance companies to help victims recover fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Nashville’s Path Forward
Nashville’s investments in safer streets are a positive step, but lasting change will take time — and accountability. Every driver, cyclist, and pedestrian play a role in making the city’s roads safer. Until the day comes when these improvements are complete and reckless driving becomes the exception, victims will continue to need strong legal advocates on their side.
If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian accident in Nashville, our firm can help you take action and pursue the justice you deserve. Give us a call or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
“Eric Beasley and his team were extremely knowledgeable, and excellent at explaining difficult legal terminology to me in a way that was easily understood. Thanks to that I could understand every step as the process moved forward. I am grateful for the care that they gave to my case. And if I ever need their services again I won’t hesitate to call, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to my family and friends.” – Nyla M., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐