Tennessee Department of Transportation urges caution after two near misses in one week – Clarksville Online

Nashville, Tennessee: The most beautiful beaches – The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is again urging motorists to slow down and pay attention following two near-misses involving TDOT employees in the past week. These incidents are part of a disturbing trend that has seen TDOT vehicles and equipment struck 73 times so far this year, including 15 times involving the agency's HELP units.

The most recent incident occurred last Thursday in Coffee County, where a driver collided with a TDOT truck that was stopped in traffic on I-24. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Just days earlier, on Friday, a TDOT HELP truck driver narrowly escaped injury on I-640W in Knoxville. While clearing debris from the roadway, the driver was nearly struck by a motorist who lost control of his vehicle. Video footage from the scene shows the TDOT employee quickly jumping back into his truck to help the motorist, who was subsequently taken to the hospital. The driver is expected to recover.

Lieutenant Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley expressed deep concern about the increasing number of incidents involving unsafe and inattentive drivers. “We are seeing an alarming increase in unsafe and inattentive drivers across Tennessee,” Eley stated. “In 2024, there were 73 instances of TDOT employees and equipment being struck by motorists, resulting in serious injuries to both our employees and the drivers of those vehicles. Motorists must follow the law and put their phones away, as well as pull over and slow down when emergency and road workers are present.”

The recent near-misses underline the need for drivers to remain increasingly vigilant and to comply with road safety regulations, particularly when approaching construction sites or emergency locations.

TDOT remains committed to increasing awareness and stricter enforcement of these laws to protect both its employees and the motoring public.