This is where most motorcycle accidents occur in Nashville, TN

One of the most common locations for motorcycle accidents is Dickerson Pike, one of the main thoroughfares in Nashville. Interstate 40, especially with the seemingly unending construction and detours through the city center, is another stretch of road with an increased risk of fatal motorcycle crashes.

Avoiding certain roads may not be enough to prevent a collision. Motorcycle riders should also understand the types of locations that are riskiest for fatal motorcycle accidents and what to do if they’re involved in a wreck. As experienced Nashville motorcycle accident lawyers, we’ve handled thousands of motorcycle accident claims and realize there are several general locations that pose more of a danger to motorcyclists; using care when approaching certain high-risk areas can help keep you safe.

Most dangerous roads and intersections for collisions in Nashville

Nashville is home to some of the state’s deadliest intersections and stretches of highway. You may not be able to avoid these locations entirely, but understanding the dangers of each can help you take precautions to avoid a wreck.

• I-40 at I-24: This east-west exchange is usually busy, especially during morning and evening rush hour
• I-24 in Antioch: The intersection of I-24 and Bell Road in Antioch is one of the primary intersections to reach popular destinations around Brentwood. Dozens of fatalities are recorded each year
• I-24 and Briley Parkway: As the primary artery for commuters from the north into Nashville, this road’s high volume of traffic and incidences of speeding make this road dangerous
• Nolensville Pike to Harding Place: This section of road is narrow for its volume of traffic, making it a hot spot for sideswipe accidents and rear-end collisions, both of which are often fatal to motorcyclists
• Intersection of Murfreesboro Road and Thompson Lane: Its proximity to MTSU and an area prone to speeding tickets can make this intersection dangerous for someone on a bike, as many drivers may be speeding through to make a light

What do all these locations have in common? Speeding drivers and a higher likelihood that a driver will fail to yield to a motorcyclist. Heavy traffic, especially during rush hour, and not enough space on the road to accommodate the high flow also increases the chance that drivers will make reckless choices due to frustration and road rage.

Most common conditions in Nashville for single-vehicle motorcycle accidents

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, most motorcycle crashes occur under these conditions:

• Evening rush hour (4 pm-7 pm) and late afternoon into the evening (3 pm-9 pm). More cars on the road mean more chances that a driver will be distracted and cause a wreck
• Weekends (Friday-Sunday), specifically Saturday nights. There’s also a higher instance of people driving under the influence on weekend nights than on weeknights
• Warmer months, specifically April-October, with the summer months of June, July, and August seeing a spike in collisions
• Inclement weather, especially rainy weather, which produces slick roads and limited visibility
• Poor road conditions, like streets rutted with potholes and full of construction debris, pose a serious danger to those on motorcycles

Urban areas typically see more motorcycle crashes than rural areas, but that’s often due to heavier traffic. However, use caution when riding through the twisting back roads in the countryside around Nashville, as sharp turns are perilous.

Greatest threats of multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the leading causes of motorcycle collisions involving other vehicles include:

• Exceeding the speed limit. Accidents at higher speeds yield much more serious injuries than those at lower speeds
• Drivers failing to check their blind spots. The slimmer profile of the motorcycle is more difficult to see in a car’s mirrors
• Poor visibility, either during heavy rain or in the dark, when it’s more difficult for drives to see the single headlight of an oncoming motorcyclist
• Failure to yield. Many of these types of crashes occurred at intersections where one party failed to follow the traffic guidance (stop sign, light, etc.) or otherwise failed to properly yield to oncoming traffic (such as trying to “beat” a yellow light or making a left-hand turn on a blinking light)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal limit for alcohol consumption in Tennessee is 0.08% (about 2-3 drinks, depending on the person’s size, gender, and other factors). Drunk driving affects judgment and reflexes, both of which can easily lead to serious accidents

Knowing the warning signs of a driver who may be under the influence, driving recklessly, or otherwise making poor choices can help you take defensive driving measures and avoid a crash.

If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle collision, even a single-vehicle one, you may be eligible for compensation. Please contact Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers at (615) 220-4180 for a free consultation.