Knoxville's streets have seen a sorrowful uptick in traffic-related fatalities during 2024, with figures indicating a 14-percent increase compared to the previous year. According to the Knoxville Police Department, the city experienced the loss of 52 lives due to traffic incidents, up from 45 in 2023.

Chief of Police Paul Noel stressed the importance of roadway safety when he mentioned, as per the Knoxville Police Department, "2024 was a difficult year on Knoxville roads and illustrates why we prioritize roadway safety and traffic enforcement." As detailed in a statement, Chief Noel seeks to work diligently alongside law enforcement partners further "to slow people down and prevent the behaviors that lead to these tragic outcomes." Mayor Indya Kincannon also expressed deep concern, saying, "It breaks my heart to see these numbers and to know so many families are grappling with losing a loved one because of senseless accidents on our roadways." She remains hopeful, however, and stated her commitment to the Vision Zero initiative to bring the numbers down, underlining the collective responsibility for safer roads.

Breaking down the fatalities, 12 were motorcyclists, and 11 were pedestrians. The year also witnessed a tragic end for one bicyclist in traffic—a sharp reminder of the vulnerability those on two wheels face amidst four-wheeled machines. Additionally, the city was startled by five multi-fatality crashes, which included two triple fatalities and three double fatalities.

An alarming portion of the carnage unfolded on interstate roads, with 16 of the 45 crashes that resulted in fatalities occurring there, leading to 20 lost lives. Streets like Western Avenue also became sites of recurring tragedy, with at least four fatal incidents. Chief Noel pinpointed excessive speed, failure to use seatbelts, and intoxication as prime culprits in these events. He also noted that a general lack of attentiveness likely contributed significantly to the fatal outcomes.