The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) and Kentucky State Police (KSP) are reporting that highway fatalities in the commonwealth increased last year.The data indicates there were 806 fatalities in 2021, compared to 780 in 2020 — a 3.3 percent increase.
Of the 806 highway fatalities last year in the state, the agencies report 54.7 percent were not wearing a seat belt and 15 percent involved alcohol. Approximately 26 percent involved speeding or aggressive drivers and 15 percent involved driver distraction. Pedestrians and bicyclists accounted for 85 deaths and motorcyclists accounted for 88 deaths.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one of the most effective ways to help reduce highway traffic deaths is to combine public awareness campaigns with high-visibility enforcement efforts.
KSP Captain Paul Blanton says the last thing they want to do is make a death notification, so if they can potentially save a life by writing a ticket, they will do it. He says at the end of the day, they want everyone to make it home safely.
The KOHS partners with KSP, county and city law enforcement agencies throughout the state in awareness campaigns and enforcement blitzes, such as Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Buckle Up Phone Down, and Click It or Ticket.
According to the NHTSA, wearing a seat belt gives motorists the best chance of preventing injury or death if involved in a crash.
Captain Blanton says they encourage motorists to make safe choices on the road because it’s the right thing to do, not just because it’s the law. He points out some may see it as an inconvenience, but traffic laws are in place for a reason — to save lives.
So far in 2022, preliminary numbers indicate there have been 175 roadway deaths, down 16 compared to the same time last year.
