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NASHVILLE (MURFREESBORO PIKE), Davidson County, Tenn., Oct. 1, 2026 — A man driving about 90 mph struck a family's SUV on Murfreesboro Pike Tuesday afternoon, September 29, then ran into nearby woods before officers caught up with him, according to Metro Nashville Police.
Police said the man was speeding on Murfreesboro Pike when his vehicle collided with an SUV carrying six family members. After the crash, he reportedly got out and fled on foot into a wooded area near the roadway. Officers took him into custody a short time later.
Only minor injuries were reported among those in the SUV, according to the police account.
Authorities continue investigating the collision. We hope those who were hurt have a swift and full recovery.
Speed and Crash Severity: What the Numbers Show
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 6,138,359 police-reported traffic crashes occurred in 2023. Speed is a factor in a meaningful share of those crashes every year, and it changes the outcome in two ways: it shortens the time a driver has to react, and it increases the energy that has to be absorbed when two vehicles collide.
A crash at 90 mph does not scale up from a crash at 30 mph in a simple way. Stopping distance grows fast as speed rises, and the force involved in a collision grows even faster. That is part of why high-speed crashes tend to produce more serious vehicle damage and a wider range of possible injuries, even when, as in this case, the people involved walk away with only minor injuries.
Law enforcement agencies track speed-related crashes separately from other causes because the pattern repeats across cities and highways alike: a small number of drivers traveling well above the posted limit account for a wider share of serious outcomes than their numbers alone would suggest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I'm involved in a crash caused by a speeding driver?
Call 911, move to a safe location if possible, and wait for police to arrive and document the scene. Get medical care even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms take hours to appear.
What injuries are common in high-speed car crashes?
Common injuries include whiplash, concussions, broken bones, and internal injuries from the body striking the seatbelt, dashboard, or airbag. Higher speeds increase both the likelihood and severity of these injuries.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and failure to yield are among the most frequently cited factors in police crash reports nationwide.
Does driving speed really change how bad a crash is?
Yes. Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase the force of impact, which is why crashes at highway speeds tend to cause more severe injuries and vehicle damage than low-speed collisions.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Nashville, TN
If you're involved in a crash in Nashville, start by checking yourself and any passengers for injuries, then move to a safe spot away from traffic if you're able. Call 911 so police can respond and file a report, which will matter later for insurance or any legal questions. Even if you feel fine, consider getting checked by a doctor, since adrenaline can mask pain from injuries like whiplash or internal bruising. Take photos of the scene and vehicles if it's safe to do so, and get contact information from any witnesses nearby. Keep a copy of the police report for your records once it's available.
