2019 marks deadliest of last six years for drivers on Tennessee roads

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) -2019 has now marked the deadliest year for drivers in Tennessee dating back to 2014.

The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security's (TDSHS) latest daily fatality report finds so far this year, 1,044 people have died in traffic fatalities.

According to historical data from the department, the total surpasses the previous six year high of 1,041 set in 2018. The state also reached six year highs in fatal crashes involving teen drivers age 13 to 19 with 120 deaths, and fatal crashes involving large trucks with 148 deaths.

Year-to-date, the state has seen 56 more deaths compared to 2019. Pedestrian deaths have also continued to see an increase with 132 reports year-to-date compared to 137 for all of 2018. The Nashville District, which includes 12 Middle Tennessee counties, has seen the largest increase in traffic fatalities with 261 when compared year-to-date with 2018's 218 deaths, an increase of 43.