Tennessee sees significant drop in traffic deaths in 2025, state says
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Tennessee saw a significant drop in traffic deaths in 2025, continuing a trend of improving roadway safety across the state.
According to AAA, following the speed limit and wearing a seatbelt could prevent driving deaths. McGee listed several things that can limit distracted driving from putting your phone on Do Not Disturb to limiting the amount of people in your car.
The Volunteer State recorded a significant decline in traffic fatalities for the year, with 1,045 deaths reported statewide, down from 1,194 the previous year, a drop of about 12.5 percent, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
But, McGee says one death is already too many.
"It can happen in in the blink of an eye. And if you haven't already been affected in some shape or form by a traffic crash, it's going to happen."
Most of the decline came in urban areas, including Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis, where targeted safety programs and increased enforcement contributed to fewer crashes.
However, some districts in our viewing area saw a slight increase in traffic deaths.
A deadly crash in Chattanooga on Mother's Day in 2025 killed three people, and left many more injured.
Just days after that crash, we spoke to Larrissa Collet, a nurse. She told us while the smoke and fire was overwhelming, there was only one thing on her mind.
"I looked at my mom, and I was like, I have to go. I have a skill set, and I want to use it if I can. So I grabbed everyone was grabbing water bottles to try and put out the flames, looking for fire extinguishers."
Statewide, teen and older driver fatalities fell, and there were fewer pedestrian deaths compared to 2024.
Motorcycle fatalities remained largely unchanged, while unrestrained occupants continued to account for a significant share of traffic deaths.
Looking closer at the numbers by region:
Chattanooga’s district recorded a slight increase from 124 to 128, highlighting the ongoing need for focused road safety efforts in Southeast Tennessee.
In Middle Tennessee, fatalities decreased from 268 to 255.
Knox County saw a drop from 170 to 144.
Memphis saw the largest district-level improvement, with deaths dropping from 259 to 169.
Fall Branch and Cookeville districts also saw notable declines.
Jackson experienced a small increase concentrated in rural areas.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security said the numbers show steady progress.
The department urges drivers to buckle up, stay alert, avoid distractions, and never drive impaired.
Mcgee says its up drivers to follow the rules of the road, before its to late.
"You don't get to say, I'm sorry I killed your son. You don't get to say, I'm sorry I ran into the back of you, and now you're paralyzed for life."
Preliminary data show the positive trend continuing, though troopers remind drivers that certain areas and behaviors still pose significant risks.