KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – Tennessee ranks 8th in the country for worst drivers, according to Consumer Affairs, with more than 1,300 deadly crashes recorded last year. The most common cause: dangerous or improper driving.
Drivers ages 16 to 25 are involved in about 43% of those crashes, according to data from the state.
Patrick Torkelson, owner of Volunteer Driving Academy, said speeding is a pattern he observes regularly on local roads.
“You’re going down the road and you’ve got people that’ll go zipping by you,” Torkelson said. “Lots of speeders and people that are always in a hurry.”
Torkelson noted the first six months behind the wheel as a critical window to make sure new drivers keep following good habits.
“If you’re going to be five minutes late, if you’re leaving your house 10 minutes late, you’re not going to make it up on the roadway,” Torkelson said.
He added Knoxville’s growth has outpaced its road systems.
“The fact that there are so many people that have moved into Knoxville and our roadway systems are not currently capable of handling that level of traffic that is out there,” Torkelson said. “We need improvements.”
Daniel Torkelson, CEO of Volunteer Driving Academy and Patrick’s son, is 25 years old and works alongside his father teaching the same age group.
“They relate a little better because I know how easy it is to be distracted with the phone, everything you’ve got going on,” Daniel Torkelson said.
Both said driver’s education is not required to obtain a license in Tennessee, but they consider the course essential for safe driving.
Daniel Torkelson said his motivation for the work is straightforward: “It’s saving lives potentially.”
Patrick Torkelson said he was drawn to the profession for a similar reason.
“I felt a calling to it,” he said.
Volunteer Driving Academy instructors recommend the following practices:
- Do not speed
- Maintain a safe following distance
- Stay off your phone while driving
