Rutherford County, TN - The fireworks may be dazzling, but the roadways across the midstate can be deadly this time of year. NewsRadio WGNS reminds everyone that we're in the midst of what safety experts call the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer”—a period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes, particularly involving teen drivers, spike dramatically. And with the 4th of July approaching, the risks are even higher.
According to national and local traffic data, deadly crashes involving teens rise by as much as 26% during the summer months. That’s no coincidence. With school out and more young drivers behind the wheel, often navigating new routes to social events, jobs, or weekend trips, the combination of inexperience and increased exposure becomes a perfect storm.
WGNS News Director Bryan Barrett notes, “We check daily accident reports from the Tennessee Highway Patrol and police departments in Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, Eagleville, and Rutherford County—and far too often they’re reporting crashes that were entirely preventable. It’s heartbreaking.”
🚨 Impaired and Distracted Driving on the Rise
From Murfreesboro to Lebanon or Murfreesboro to Shelbyville, local law enforcement agencies are stepping up enforcement efforts—“putting the hammer down” to identify and arrest impaired drivers. Expect to see DUI checkpoints, increased patrols, and zero tolerance for reckless behavior behind the wheel.
July 4th is particularly dangerous, with a sharp uptick in crashes related to alcohol use, fatigue, and distracted driving. Many Tennesseans travel during the long holiday weekend, increasing the chance of high-speed collisions and deadly mistakes.
🚗 Buckle Up, Every Ride, Every Time
Tennessee law requires seat belts for all drivers and passengers, but WGNS emphasizes that this isn’t just about compliance—it’s about saving lives. In too many tragic cases, fatalities could have been prevented by simply wearing a seatbelt.
“People think it can’t happen to them. Until it does,” Barrett said. “Buckling up is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and your family.”
🎧 Tune In, Stay Informed
WGNS will continue to monitor reports from local and state authorities, updating listeners on road closures, accident scenes, and public safety alerts. Whether you're heading to the Murfreesboro fireworks, boating on Percy Priest Lake, or just running errands—drive smart, drive sober, and buckle up.
This Independence Day, don’t let a moment of celebration turn into a lifetime of regret. Take pride in protecting your community by making good choices behind the wheel.
