RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WGNS) — A new national study places Tennessee among the top five states where commuting poses the highest risk for fatal car crashes—raising concerns in Rutherford County, one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.

The report, released by Oklahoma-based law firm Hasbrook & Hasbrook, ranks Tennessee fourth nationwide in fatal crash rates per 10,000 commuters, with an average of 4.4 deadly crashes tied to daily travel. Though the average commute time for Tennessee residents is about 25 minutes, the study shows that duration alone isn’t the only factor increasing danger—vehicle dependency and infrastructure quality also play key roles.

In Rutherford County, where public transportation options remain limited and population growth continues to swell, the findings hit close to home.

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Rutherford County recorded 29,923 total traffic crashes in 2023, including 38 fatalities—matching the county's fatal crash count from the previous year. Many of these incidents occurred during peak commuting hours, underscoring the dangers of daily travel on local roads.

The Hasbrook report found that in the 10 most dangerous states for commuters, over 95% of workers drive themselves to work, and less than 1.2% rely on public transportation—a trend echoed in Middle Tennessee.

“There's a clear correlation between car dependency and fatal commuting accidents,” said attorney Clayton Hasbrook in the report. “As regions grow, investing in safer road infrastructure and public transit options could help reduce these risks.”

For now, local law enforcement urges drivers to remain alert, limit distractions, and obey traffic laws—especially during busy commute periods.

You can view the full report at oklahomalawyer.com.