NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A motorcyclist was killed and his passenger critically injured late Tuesday night after colliding with an SUV on Nolensville Pike, a crash that officials say underscores ongoing concerns about road safety in Davidson County.

Police said the rider was headed north in the 2800 block of Nolensville Pike when a Chrysler Aspen pulled out of a gas station parking lot. The motorcycle struck the SUV's rear driver-side door, throwing both the rider and his 19-year-old passenger from the bike.

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. His passenger remains hospitalized in critical condition. Authorities have not released the rider's name.

Preliminary findings pointed to excessive speed on the part of the motorcyclist.

“This is a countywide issue," Metro Council member Jacob Kupin said.

Davidson County has the highest injury crash rate in Tennessee, according to the state Highway Safety Office, with more than a quarter involving drivers under 25. So far this year, 190 motorcycle crashes have been reported in the county.

“It is a continuing conversation we need to be having with our community,” Nashville Department of Transportation Director Diana Alarcón said at a Metro Council traffic meeting on Monday. “We are starting to see progress.”

Police said the investigation remains ongoing.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/deadly-nolensville-pike-crash-renews-concerns-over-traffic-safety/