Highway fatalities in Kentucky were up 9.3 percent in 2023.
There were 813 highway deaths last year, the highest number of highway fatalities since 2016, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety. In 2022, there were 744 highway deaths.
According to KYTC and Kentucky State Police, of the 813 fatalities, 51 percent were not wearing a seat belt and 16 percent involved alcohol. Approximately 33 percent involved speeding or aggressive drivers, and 20 percent involved distracted driving. Pedestrians and bicyclists accounted for 137 deaths (16.9 percent) and motorcyclists accounted for 105 (12.9 percent).
“We’re asking motorists and passengers to commit to safe driving behaviors when behind the wheel, such as buckling up, putting the phone down, obeying the speed limit and driving sober,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said. “This helps keep our roadways safe, not only for those in vehicles, but for all road users, such as pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one of the most effective ways to help reduce highway traffic deaths is to combine public awareness campaigns with high-visibility enforcement efforts, the transportation cabinet said.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
