With the Thanksgiving holiday weekend one of the most heavily traveled holidays of the year, Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety are teaming up for the “Make It to the Table: Don’t Drink and Drive” Thanksgiving enforcement effort. The effort is to encourage drivers to buckle up, plan sober rides and put the phone down in order to ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely.
Federal grants, provided through the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety, will allow state police to utilize more troopers and officers on Kentucky’s highways during peak travel times. The campaign coincides with the national enforcement effort, Operation C.A.R.E (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), scheduled during the four-day holiday driving season beginning Wednesday evening, November 27 at 6:00 through midnight Sunday, December 1. The joint efforts across the country encourage drivers to buckle up and refrain from impaired driving.
According to the Kentucky Traffic Collision Facts Report, the four-day Thanksgiving holiday travel period last year accounted for 1,971 collisions, resulting in 420 injuries and seven deaths. Of those deaths, state officials say three were not wearing a seatbelt and one involved distracted driving.
As of November 21, state officials say preliminary numbers indicate there have been 659 deaths in 2019, up ten compared to the same time last year. Of those deaths, 265 were not wearing a seatbelt and more than 140 involved distracted driving.
If you see a troublesome driver or any suspicious road conditions this holiday season, motorists are encouraged to contact Kentucky State Police or local law enforcement.
