As the holidays approach, drivers need to be extra vigilant. With more shoppers and travelers on the road, this time of year brings more than parties and celebrations. It also brings a higher risk of collisions. Based on new data from more than 1.3 million commercial drivers who use the Motive platform, it’s clear that road travel in certain U.S. cities is particularly risky.

Among six cities analyzed (Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Nashville), Nashville fleets face unique challenges to keep drivers safe and operations running smoothly. Nashville has the lowest collision rate among these cities, with an average of 4.13 collisions per 10,000 vehicles per month, compared to the national average of 84.3. 

However, Nashville is filled with high-risk areas, and certain times of day are particularly dangerous there. Here’s what Nashville fleets need to know  — and how they can proactively improve safety this season.

Key collision insights for Nashville fleets

  • Peak risk times: Weekdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., during rush hour, align with the highest collision times nationwide.
  • Collision speeds: Most accidents occur at speeds between 40 mph to 100 mph, emphasizing the need for defensive driving in both urban and highway settings.
  • High-risk areas: The area around Nashville’s airports (1.7 collisions per 10,000 vehicles) and the I-24/I-10 intersection (1.5 collisions per 10,000 vehicles) are particularly dangerous.
Holiday road risk is on the rise. See why in the  Motive Holiday Outlook Report.

Five tips to keep drivers safe

  1. Practice defensive driving:
    Teach drivers to maintain safe following distances, anticipate traffic flow changes, and avoid distractions. In high-risk areas like busy intersections, defensive driving reduces the chance of accidents.
  2. Leverage real-time safety technology:
    Equip vehicles with AI-powered dash cams and telematics to detect unsafe behaviors, such as speeding or unsafe lane changes. These tools provide real-time alerts to help drivers correct behavior and avoid accidents.
  3. Train drivers to handle aggressive drivers:
    Aggressive driving spikes during busy travel seasons. Encourage drivers to stay calm, create distance, and safely remove themselves from risky situations.
  4. Utilize dash cams for documentation:
    Dash cams not only improve safety but also help document incidents. Drivers can capture evidence of dangerous behaviors from other motorists, providing protection against false claims.
  5. Implement regular safety reviews:
    Motive’s Integrated Coaching tool automatically identifies at-risk behaviors, helping fleet managers address issues promptly. Regular coaching sessions and reviews reinforce safe driving habits and build accountability.

Seasonal challenges: Managing holiday and weather risks

The holidays bring added pressure to meet tight deadlines, increasing the likelihood of unsafe driving behaviors. Nashville fleets should also prepare for hazardous weather conditions, such as wet or icy roads, which contribute to 65.5% of holiday collisions nationwide.

  • Peak holiday risks:
    • A 32% spike in collisions occurs on Christmas Day, with nearly half happening after dark.
    • Speeding incidents rise 10% in the weeks leading up to Christmas, adding to the danger.
  • Weather-related challenges:
    • Severe weather and an active hurricane season have left infrastructure damaged and supply chains disrupted, adding complexity for Southeast fleets.

How Motive helps Nashville fleets navigate the holidays

Motive’s AI-powered Integrated Operations Platform equips Nashville fleets with the tools they need to stay safe and efficient, even in high-risk environments. By integrating real-time tracking, AI dash cams, and automated safety reviews, Motive ensures:

  • Proactive safety measures: Drivers receive real-time alerts to prevent accidents.
  • Improved efficiency: One platform connects fleet data for streamlined operations.
  • Safer roads: Continuous coaching reduces risky behavior and improves overall fleet safety scores.

This holiday season, staying ahead of risks requires preparation, technology, and a commitment to safety. With the right strategies and Motive’s advanced solutions, Nashville fleets can protect their drivers, minimize disruptions, and deliver safely and efficiently through the most challenging time of the year.

Stay ahead of holiday road risks

Access key trends, insights, and safety strategies to keep your fleet moving safely this season. Download the Motive Holiday Outlook Report and make informed decisions to protect your drivers and operations during the busiest time of the year.

Download the Report