Pedestrian accidents are a big problem in certain parts of Nashville. The dangerous intersection of Nolensville Pike and Welshwood Drive in south Nashville is one such place where accidents are common. In July, 66-year-old Kris Hansen was struck and killed while trying to catch a bus. Now, local groups are calling for action.
According to Walk Bike Nashville, Hansen’s death is the seventh of its kind at that intersection since 2010. The group desires immediate action by the city and Department of Transportation to make this intersection safer for pedestrians. They have started a campaign to improve pedestrian conditions on Nolensville Pike from Paragon Mills to Harding Place with a Community Walk Audit.
PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS IN NASHVILLE: IS THIS CITY SAFER THAN MOST?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,376 pedestrians died in accidents in 2016. That number is up from 2014, when 4,884 lost their lives. In the United States, a pedestrian dies roughly every two hours. But in Nashville, pedestrian accidents occur more frequently than many other places. A study released by Smart Growth America showed that Nashville was the 37th most dangerous metropolitan area in the country for pedestrian accidents.
Project likes the Community Walk Audit are important to raising awareness of the problem of pedestrian accidents, as well as important first steps to improve infrastructure and walkability in Nashville.
Lamentations 3:22-23, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”