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Nashville, TN (August 6, 2026) – A driver is facing multiple charges after a crash involving a Tennessee Highway Patrol vehicle left a state trooper hurt on Tuesday afternoon, August 4, on Interstate 65 South near Vietnam Veterans Pkwy.
According to a preliminary report, 40-year-old Corina McDaniel was driving south on I-65 when her vehicle struck the rear of a Tennessee Highway Patrol patrol car. The force of the collision pushed the patrol vehicle into a passenger car that had been stopped during a traffic stop.
Trooper Steven Burnette, 27, was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. McDaniel was also injured in the crash. The driver and passenger of the stopped vehicle were not hurt. Authorities said McDaniel is facing charges including DUI, vehicular assault, and simple possession. The investigation remains active as officials continue to review the circumstances surrounding the crash.
We wish those injured a smooth and complete recovery.
How Are Rear-End Crashes Near Traffic Stops Investigated?
Collisions involving emergency vehicles stopped along roadways require investigators to closely examine vehicle positions, roadway conditions, and available physical evidence. Dash camera footage, witness statements, and electronic vehicle data may also help establish how the sequence of events unfolded.
Traffic stops can create changing traffic patterns as nearby drivers slow or move into adjacent lanes. Investigators may evaluate visibility, speed, following distance, and driver behavior when determining the factors that contributed to a collision.
Motorists are encouraged to remain attentive when approaching emergency vehicles and to comply with move-over laws where applicable. Slowing down and providing additional space can help improve safety for everyone working or traveling along the roadside.
