Knoxville’s winding roads, sharp elevation changes, and heavy traffic make for a risky mix, especially on some of the city’s most notorious streets. If you regularly commute through downtown or navigate the retail hubs of Cedar Bluff and Turkey Creek, the risk of a serious collision is higher in some areas than others.
In this post, we’ll break down the most dangerous roads and intersections in Knoxville, Tennessee, based on the latest 2024 collision data. If you’ve been injured in a crash on one of these roads, a Knoxville car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Knoxville’s dangerous driving key stats
Knoxville is among Tennessee’s most dangerous cities for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike:
- More than 1,200 motor vehicle accidents in Knoxville over the last decade have caused severe injuries or deaths (roughly one serious crash every 37 hours).
- Nearly 1,700 crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists occurred in the past ten years (that’s about 19 incidents per month).
Top 10 Knoxville intersections for collisions in 2024
According to Knoxville Police Department data, these intersections had the highest number of collision calls in 2024. Note that these are reported incidents where police responded, so keep in mind that many crashes go unreported or are handled privately.
1. North Cedar Bluff Rd & North Peters Rd
40 collision calls
Located in the Cedar Bluff shopping district near Interstate 40, this multi-lane intersection experiences heavy traffic, features double turn lanes, and is often congested.
2. Lovell Rd & Parkside Dr
36 collision calls
This intersection serves as the entrance to Turkey Creek, a major retail and dining area on the city’s west side.
3. Western Ave & Sanderson Rd
30 collision calls
Near the I-640 ramps and surrounded by fast food and retail, this busy junction is a known hotspot for red-light running.
4. Clinton Hwy & Merchant Dr
29 collision calls
A key intersection on Knoxville’s north side, just a mile from I-75, with heavy traffic near Merchants Towne Square.
5. Henley St/South Broadway & Western Ave/West Summit Hill Dr
28 collision calls
A large, complex downtown intersection near I-40 entrances and the L&N STEM Academy. Its steep incline adds to the danger.
6. Clinton Hwy & Tillery Dr
28 collision calls
Located near the intersection of Interstates 275 and 640, this northside area is flanked by residential neighborhoods.
7. Henley St/Chapman Hwy & East Blount Ave
27 collision calls
The south end of the Henley Street Bridge near the South Waterfront is heavily trafficked since the Gay Street Bridge closure.
8. Central Ave Pike & Merchant Dr/Cedar Ln
27 collision calls
A busy retail corridor near I-75, with lots of traffic from the Inskip and Norwood neighborhoods.
9. Western Ave & Ed Shouse Dr
26 collision calls
Close to the Western/Sanderson intersection, this area is similarly congested and near I-640 on-ramps.
10. Clinch Ave & Henley St
25 collision calls
Downtown Knoxville, near the Convention Center, World’s Fair Park, and highway ramps, is packed with pedestrians and cars.
Dangerous roads that deserve extra caution
In addition to the above intersections, the following roads remain especially hazardous for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike:
- Henley Street: High accident rates, especially involving senior drivers.
- Magnolia Avenue: High rate of pedestrian and bicycle crashes.
- Broadway: Congestion leads to distracted driving and road rage.
- Western Avenue: Frequent red-light running and crashes.
- Chapman Highway: Often called East Tennessee’s deadliest highway.
- Clinton Highway: High-speed crashes, pedestrian and cyclist injuries.
- Alcoa Highway: Fast-moving traffic, aggressive driving.
- Asheville Highway: Motorcycle accidents due to poor visibility.
- Rutledge Pike: Residential area with frequent traffic violations.
- Illinois Avenue: Near hotels and lodging, high rate of rear-end and speed-related crashes.
What is Vision Zero?
The Knoxville City Council approved the implementation of the Vision Zero program in 2021. The city is trying to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2040.
Their goal is to make data-derived decisions regarding improving the road race, focus on sustained collaboration throughout the community and surrounding areas, and be transparent about the program’s progress, processes, and any difficulties that may arise along the way.
This allows Knoxville to focus on creating safer roads and reducing the number of pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle, and other motor vehicle accidents. Vision Zero is a collaborative effort between public educators, road design professionals, and law enforcement officials.
Contact a car accident lawyer in Knoxville for help today
These are just a few intersections, streets, and major arterials that are the most dangerous to drive, bike, or walk through. If you suffered critical injuries at one of these locations or another intersection in Knoxville, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
Reach out to a reputable and experienced Knoxville car accident lawyer at Hotz & Associates, P.C. to find out how much your claim could be worth. You can reach us via our online contact form or phone at (865) 582-0042 to get started on your case as soon as today.