Tennessee ranks among most dangerous states for pedestrians: study

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Among the 25 most dangerous states for pedestrians, Tennessee ranks as the 11th most dangerous, according to a Smart Growth America study.

It’s especially on Dickerson Pike, where News 2 has reported on pedestrian-related accidents and deaths repeatedly.

“Some of our most deadly intersections in our whole state are right here on Dickerson Pike,” said Eric Hoke, design director at the Civic Design Center. “We do community design and planning work that helps neighbors and community members see a vision and, hopefully, bring it to reality,” Hoke said.

Part of that vision is making pedestrian safety a greater priority in Nashville, especially near dangerous intersections along Dickerson and Gallatin Pike.

Back in April, a Tennessee State University student was hit and killed by a driver while crossing the street on Gallatin Pike.

“A lot of our pikes are designed where they don’t promote walkability, so we are retrofitting our pikes for more car-dominated culture,” Hoke said.

Hoke has been working with Smart Growth America and the state to come up with better design solutions. He had a hand in the project near Queen Avenue and Dickerson Pike.

“What we did on Dickerson Pike is install a pedestrian refuge island,” Hoke said.

It not only shortens crossing distances for pedestrians, but forces cars to slow down.

The nonprofit also worked with a local artist to create a work of art along Dickerson Pike, so drivers can clearly see pedestrians walking across the sidewalk.

| READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County

However, Hoke said this is just the beginning when it comes to improving pedestrian safety.

“I think we’ve got a lot of work to do in terms of making our streets safer,” Hoke said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.