RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - This Christmas week has been a painful one for many families across Rutherford County. As WGNS has reported, Sunday and the days that followed brought a heartbreaking series of tragedies—fatal traffic crashes, wrecks with serious injuries, sudden medical emergencies, and even home fires that left residents hurt and displaced. What should be a season of warmth and gathering has, for some, turned into a time of shock and sorrow.
Local officials say these incidents are a sobering reminder of how quickly holiday plans can change. Yet they also stress that many of these dangers can be reduced with simple, thoughtful choices—especially as Tennessee heads into one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
From Christmas Eve through New Year’s, more than 2.8 million Tennesseans are expected to travel, with nearly all of them on the road. AAA projects record‑breaking national travel as well, meaning heavier traffic, longer delays, and more opportunities for distracted or impaired driving to turn deadly. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has suspended construction lane closures through January 2 to help keep traffic flowing, but troopers and HELP trucks will be out in force, watching for speeding, impairment, and drivers who simply aren’t paying attention.
AAA notes that while Christmas Eve and Christmas Day tend to be calmer on the roads, the days immediately after—December 26 through December 30—are among the most congested of the entire season. Late mornings through early evenings are expected to be the most challenging times to travel, while early‑day departures remain the safest bet.
One of the most persistent dangers this time of year is impaired driving. Nearly a third of fatal holiday crashes nationwide involve alcohol or drugs, and Tennessee consistently ranks among the states with the highest holiday‑season DUI risk. To help prevent more tragedies, AAA is once again offering its “Tow to Go” program, providing free rides and tows for impaired drivers from December 24 through January 2. Officials say even one person choosing not to drive impaired can save a life.
AAA also expects more than 860,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide during the holiday period, most of them for dead batteries, flat tires, and empty gas tanks. Families are encouraged to check their vehicles before heading out, pack basic emergency supplies, and give themselves extra time—especially with winter weather bringing fog, cold rain, and the possibility of black ice on bridges and overpasses.
Safety experts remind families that the simplest habits are often the most powerful: buckle every seatbelt, put the phone away, slow down, and take breaks on long trips. Sharing your route with someone at home and keeping children occupied with snacks or games can also reduce distractions inside the vehicle.
Even in a week marked by loss, local officials say there is still room for hope. A few careful choices—made with loved ones in mind—can help ensure that more families arrive safely at their Christmas gatherings, and that the season remains one of peace rather than heartbreak.
