I asked Nashville visitors and locals to weigh in after a heartbreaking incident on Broadway — a pedestrian was struck and killed on the morning of Monday, November 10, 2025, while crossing outside of a designated crosswalk. The responses paint a sobering picture of just how dangerous Nashville's busiest street has become.
This Isn't An Isolated Incident
Broadway has seen multiple serious pedestrian accidents in recent months. In October 2024, a man was killed by a pickup truck while crossing at 12th Avenue and Broadway — and he was actually in a crosswalk. In September 2025, a woman suffered life-threatening injuries in a hit-and-run near 16th Avenue and Broadway. Another hit-and-run happened in May 2025 when a pedestrian was struck on Broadway.
Security footage of the most recent fatal incident has circulated online, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly these tragedies unfold.
The Reality On Broadway
Here's what you need to know: people are stepping directly into traffic with alarming frequency. Local workers who spend their days on Broadway report it's “actually out of control” — visitors routinely ignore crosswalk signals and walk straight out between moving cars.
One commenter who works a block north of Broadway mentioned watching people risk their lives crossing the I-65 ramp every single night. Another longtime downtown worker with multiple decades of experience confirmed these incidents happen regularly, but they rarely make the news.
Why This Keeps Happening
The problem isn't limited to one intersection. Locals report seeing the same dangerous behavior on Gallatin Pike and near Vanderbilt. People cross where there's no crosswalk. They ignore “Don't Walk” signals. And many are staring at their phones instead of watching traffic.
The truth is simple: when you're walking and a car is driving, you're going to lose that battle every single time. It doesn't matter who has the right of way.
What You Need To Do
Only cross at designated crosswalks. Wait for the walk signal — even if you think you have time to dash across. Those pretty lights on Broadway? They'll change again in less than a minute.
Put your phone away when crossing streets. Look up and watch your surroundings. If the countdown timer is running low, just wait for the next cycle.
The Traffic Factor
All that jaywalking? It's also creating major traffic backups downtown. Drivers have to slam on brakes constantly for people walking wherever they want, which slows everything down for everyone.
This Applies Beyond Broadway
Don't assume you're not on Broadway. The reckless crossing happens throughout Nashville, particularly in high-traffic areas and near entertainment districts.
Bottom Line
Nashville wants you here. The city wants you to have fun, enjoy the music, and go home with great memories. Not in an ambulance or worse. Your family wants the same thing.
That driver involved in this accident? They now have to live with what happened. Even when you're in the wrong, the driver carries that burden forever.
Wait the extra 30 seconds. Use the crosswalk. Watch where you're going. It's really that straightforward.
