Rutherford County, TN - “Drive smart this season — don’t let a crash steal your holiday cheer.” That message rings especially true after a busy Monday evening in Rutherford County, where two separate crashes disrupted the evening commute and served as a reminder of the risks that come with shorter days.
Just before 6:00PM, the first crash happened in Murfreesboro. A Toyota Camry was pulling out of the Stonetrace Commons Shopping Center, near Kroger, and tried to cross Cason Lane in front of Dollar General. Suddenly, an SUV slammed into the Camry’s side—a classic T-bone collision. Only minutes later, around 6:15PM, another crash unfolded on I-24 westbound, just past the Waldron Road exit at the 64-mile marker.
Both incidents occurred during heavy traffic, well after sunset. With evening rush hour now blanketed in darkness, drivers face reduced visibility, glare from headlights, and the creeping effects of fatigue. It’s no surprise that national and state data show a spike in crashes during fall and winter, especially at intersections and involving pedestrians. Drivers often misjudge distances and speeds in low light, making these months particularly hazardous.
Tennessee’s crash data backs this up: November and December consistently see more collisions than the summer months, a trend that matches the seasonal shift in daylight. The Cason Lane/Kroger crash fits the pattern of intersection accidents that rise after dark, while the I-24 crash highlights the dangers of highway driving at night, where speed and visibility are critical.
Interestingly, overall crash numbers in Rutherford County aren’t up compared to last year—statewide, there’s actually a slight decline in 2025 versus 2024. But local evening crashes do tend to rise in late fall, thanks to shorter daylight hours and Rutherford’s already high crash volume.
If you’re driving during the 6 PM hour, especially in November, be extra cautious. Statewide stats confirm it’s one of the riskiest times, with intersection and interstate collisions spiking due to heavy traffic and poor visibility. Stay alert, drive smart, and keep your holiday cheer intact.
