Various agencies and local leaders gathered in Eddyville Friday morning to launch the High Five Rural Traffic Safety Project to enhance safety and save lives in Lyon County.
Deputy Director Ryan Fisher of the Kentucky Department of Highway Safety highlighted the success of the program’s seat belt initiative, which has been effective across the Commonwealth based on a pilot project in 2023. He mentioned that in Lyon County, the objective of the High Five Rural Seat Belt Program is to increase safety and save lives.
Lyon County Judge-Executive Jaime Green-Smith expressed her excitement in announcing the new program in Lyon County.
click to download audioLyon County Sheriff Brent White highlighted their primary goal of increasing seat belt usage to enhance safety on rural roads and reduce injuries and fatalities, emphasizing that seat belts are the best defense against serious injuries and deaths.
Sheriff White noted that most rural crashes in Lyon County involve a single vehicle. He emphasized that public education on seat belt use, targeted enforcement, and collaboration with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and county road departments will enhance highway safety.
click to download audioAfter participating in countless traffic safety programs in his 29-year career, he said this one is different because it focuses on Lyon County.
Following Sheriff White’s remarks, Kentucky State Police Post 1 Captain David Archer emphasized the importance of seat belts, child restraints, and booster seats, expressing satisfaction with their life-saving partnerships.
click to download audioCaptain Archer stated that the High Five materials offer a new tool for enforcement, helping to build a safety and life-saving culture in Lyon County and statewide.
click to download audioThe launch of the High Five Rural Safety Project in Lyon County was held at the Lee S. Jones Convention Center.
To hear the full news conference, click on the link below: