Knoxville, TN (February 21, 2026) – A wrong-way crash on James White Parkway on Friday evening left multiple people hurt and led to charges against a Parrottsville man. The collision happened in the northbound lanes near Riverside Drive at about 8:17 p.m., blocking traffic in the area.
Police said 54-year-old Keith Webb was allegedly driving south in the northbound lanes of James White Pkwy when he struck another vehicle head-on. The impact caused significant damage and forced the complete closure of the northbound lanes while emergency units responded.
All parties involved suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency units treated those hurt at the scene, and some were taken to a hospital for further evaluation. Drivers were asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes as crews worked to clear the roadway.
Authorities later announced that Webb was charged with driving under the influence and driving on a revoked license. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
Why Wrong-Way Crashes on Highways Can Be So Dangerous
Wrong-way crashes often happen on divided highways and parkways where vehicles travel at higher speeds. When a driver enters lanes moving in the opposite direction, the risk of a head-on collision increases sharply. These types of crashes frequently result in serious injuries because the force of impact is greater when vehicles strike each other front to front.
Highway ramps, poor visibility at night, and driver impairment are factors commonly linked to wrong-way incidents. Clear signage and proper lighting help reduce confusion, but driver awareness remains a key factor in preventing these crashes.
When a head-on collision occurs on a busy roadway, traffic disruptions can spread quickly. Blocked lanes may delay emergency response times and affect nearby streets as drivers seek alternate routes. Staying alert, avoiding impaired driving, and carefully following roadway signs can help reduce the likelihood of similar accidents.
