safety
Hit-and-run crashes renew debate over whether Tennessee's new law goes far enough
By Kelsey Gibbs at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 17, 2026
· 3 min read
Three deadly hit-and-run crashes in Nashville over the past week are renewing questions about whether Tennessee laws go far enough to stop drivers from fleeing crash scenes and hold them accountable when they do.For one Middle Tennessee mother, the debate is deeply personal. Nearly five years af...
Key takeaway Bardsley was 19 years old when he was killed in 2021 in Smyrna after a driver made an improper left turn in front of his motorcycle and left the scene, Webb said.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The recent string of deadly hit-and-run crashes in Nashville, including two along Nolensville Pike, has brought renewed attention to the need for stronger deterrents to prevent such incidents. Kim Webb's personal tragedy, losing her son James Jimmy Bardsley Jr. in a hit-and-run crash, has driven her advocacy for tougher penalties. Her efforts led to the passage of the James Bardsley Life Protection Act, which increased the penalty for leaving the scene of a crash to a Class E felony. However, Webb believes the law still falls short, and her continued push for stronger legislation will likely resonate with many in the community who are concerned about public safety. As Nashville police investigate these recent crashes, the community will be watching to see how the new law is enforced and whether it will be an effective deterrent against hit-and-run drivers.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Three deadly hit-and-run crashes in Nashville over the past week are renewing questions about whether Tennessee laws go far enough to stop drivers from fleeing crash scenes and hold them accountable when they do.For one Middle Tennessee mother, the debate is deeply personal. Nearly five years af...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kelsey Gibbs at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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