Knoxville
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Published on January 10, 2025
Knoxville Traffic Fatalities Rise by 14% in 2024, Prompting Official Calls for Better Road SafetySource: Google Street View

The streets of Knoxville witnessed a somber uptick in traffic-related fatalities in 2024, climbing to 52 deaths, a notable rise from the previous year's total of 45. The 14-percent increase has prompted renewed calls from city officials for heightened roadway safety and enforcement initiatives, as reported by the Knoxville Police Department.

In a statement, Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel emphasized the department's commitment, saying via the Knoxville Police Department, "We will continue to work hard alongside of our law enforcement partners to slow people down and prevent the behaviors that lead to these tragic outcomes." Heeding the increase, the Chief detailed, Mayor Indya Kincannon also expressed deep concern, noting the emotional toll these numbers exert on the community, especially with so many families losing loved ones in accidents that could potentially be prevented.

The data reflects a disparate impact on various modes of transportation; among the deceased in last year's crashes, 12 were motorcycle riders, and 11 were pedestrians, with one bicyclist also falling victim. Moreover, five tragic incidents qualified as multi-fatality events, including two instances bearing the weight of three lives per crash and three involving two fatalities each.