NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Three hit-and-run crashes in Nashville this month, including two fatal pedestrian incidents on Nolensville Pike, are prompting calls for tougher state penalties.
Authorities reported that in the past week, multiple hit-and-run crashes have raised concerns over whether current Tennessee laws deter drivers from fleeing accident scenes. The investigations are ongoing, with police urging responsible behavior from motorists.
One mother, Kim Webb, has been advocating for stronger legislation since her son, 19-year-old James “Jimmy” Bardsley Jr., was killed in a 2021 hit-and-run in Smyrna. She expressed anguish over losing her son and the fact that the driver left him behind.
Webb played a key role in the passage of the “James Bardsley Life Protection Act,” effective July 1, which classifies leaving the scene of a crash as a Class E felony. The law can escalate to a Class D felony if the driver knows someone may have died. Previously, such actions were treated as a Class A misdemeanor.
Despite these legal changes, Webb insists more stringent penalties are necessary to deter drivers. “It's gotta be stronger to actually be a deterrent,” she said. She plans to continue her advocacy for tougher laws in the next legislative session.
The recent surge in incidents and Webb's advocacy underscore an urgent need for legislative reform to enhance driver accountability following accidents.