The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is raising an urgent alarm about the growing number of collisions involving their vehicles and personnel. As of this year, TDOT reports that their trucks and equipment have been hit 73 times—15 of these incidents involving their vital HELP Units.
The trend is concerning for both TDOT staff and public safety on Tennessee’s roads. Just recently, in Coffee County, a driver crashed into a TDOT vehicle, causing serious damage and delaying critical roadwork.
Why Are These Collisions Happening?
TDOT attributes the rise in collisions to distracted driving, speeding, and a general lack of awareness of work zone safety protocols. Drivers often fail to reduce their speed or move over when they see TDOT vehicles performing road maintenance or assisting stranded motorists.
Distracted driving—whether caused by smartphones, in-car entertainment systems, or other distractions—remains one of the leading causes of accidents on Tennessee highways. TDOT’s plea is a reminder of the critical need for attentiveness behind the wheel.
TDOT’s Safety Recommendations
- Slow Down: Reduce your speed when approaching work zones or when you see TDOT vehicles on the shoulder.
- Move Over: Tennessee law requires drivers to move over for emergency and utility vehicles. If unable to change lanes, slow down significantly.
- Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like texting or adjusting the GPS. Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
- Follow Work Zone Instructions: Pay close attention to posted signs, cones, and flaggers. They are there to guide you safely.
How Drivers Can Help
Tennessee drivers play a crucial role in ensuring road safety. By adhering to traffic laws and staying vigilant, drivers can help reduce the number of collisions involving TDOT vehicles. Remember, these workers are on the road to keep everyone safe and ensure smooth travel.
Join the Effort to Keep Tennessee Roads Safe
If you’re looking to enhance your defensive driving skills and contribute to safer roads, consider enrolling in a DriveSafe Online Defensive Driving Course. These courses offer practical tips and strategies to help you stay alert, avoid distractions, and drive safely in all conditions.
DriveSafe Online’s courses are designed to improve driver awareness and reduce collisions. With over 500,000 drivers trained, it’s a proven way to make Tennessee’s roads safer for everyone.
Sign up now to lock in your low price and start learning at your own pace. Together, we can make a difference.
Patrick M. is Editorial Director for the always expanding DriveSafe Online library of courses. With over two decades of experience developing award-winning training, he now focuses on innovating online driver safety training. Pulling from his background in journalism, he steers the wheel behind the creation of top-tier content that promotes a better journey—whether on the digital highway of learning or the real roads we travel every day.