Deadly Wreck Raises Travel Concerns Along Interstate 40
HAYWOOD COUNTY, Tenn — It’s usually crowded with cars and trucks; and that’s exactly why some residents said driving along Interstate 40 is dangerous. “It’s really not safe,” Kim Hanselman, a driver, said. On Wednesday, a truck burst into flames along interstate 40 in Haywood County, right after it collided with three other vehicles. Four people were killed. “In just the little time that we’ve been driving today, we’ve seen instances where that could have happened,” Hanselman said. According to reports from the Tennessee Department of Safety, there have been 418 fatal wrecks in 2014 so far this year, 40 of which involved a large truck or bus. The reports aren’t specific about where the crashes occurred; but local drivers said adding an additional lane to the entire stretch of I-40 could prevent more wrecks. “Especially all the trucks that pass through, it’s dangerous and three lanes are needed,” Hanselman said. For truck drivers like Gary Rooks, who has traveled along I-40 for more than 13 years, he said drivers must exercise caution. “Everyone needs to slow down and do the limit,” Rooks said. “And get off of the cell phones.” The cause of Wednesday’s crash is still under investigation; but drivers said it serves as a wake-up call.
