Gov. Andy Beshear announced that highway fatalities in Kentucky decreased in 2024 to 707 deaths – down 107 (13.1 percent) compared with 2023.
This marks the lowest number of highway fatalities in the last 10 years.
“These numbers mean fewer families have had to deal with such a painful loss, and it’s welcome news,” Beshear said. “By working together, we can ensure everyone traveling on Kentucky’s roadways makes it home safely. Let’s keep doing all we can to prevent tragedies – like buckling up, driving distraction-free and slowing down.”
Since nearly half of all reported motor vehicle fatalities in Kentucky involve unbelted drivers or passengers, Kentuckians are urged to buckle up – every trip, every time. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), you cut your risk of a fatal injury in a crash nearly in half by buckling up.
“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,” Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) 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 KYTC’s Office of Highway Safety and Kentucky State Police, of the 707 fatalities:
- 47 percent were not wearing seatbelts
- 19 percent involved alcohol
- 33 percent involved speeding or aggressive drivers
- 22 percent involved distracted driving
Pedestrians and bicyclists accounted for 110 deaths (15.6 percent) and motorcyclists accounted for 96 (13.6 percent), according to the governor’s office.
So far in 2025, preliminary numbers show 182 roadway deaths in Kentucky, down 17.3 percent compared with the same time last year.
Steps taken to reduce fatality crashes
KYTC is committed to enhancing safety for all users through infrastructure projects and programs aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries on our highways, roads and streets, the governor’s office said.
A wrong-way driving prevention project launched last year will bring technology to interstates in central Kentucky to detect and deter wrong-way driving in urban areas where it’s more likely to occur.
Additionally, KYTC has introduced safer road solutions by implementing roundabouts, Restricted Crossing U-Turns and other safety-focused designs in many areas across Kentucky to reduce the number of conflict points at intersections and reduce the risk of crashes.
“Restricted Crossing U-Turns have transformed highway safety for areas such as the intersection of U.S. 68 and KY 139 in Trigg County, where crashes declined by 64.5 percent over the last four years – a greater reduction than the nationwide 54 percent average for the design – and where fatalities decreased to zero,” according to the governor’s office.
To further enhance road safety, education efforts such as the Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge aims to reduce teen driving crashes by promoting safer driving habits. Using an app that tracks behaviors such as speed, braking and phone distraction, participants receive feedback after each trip to help them improve their skills.
Ultimately, the challenge helps ensure safer roads by equipping teens with the tools they need to become more cautious and aware drivers.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
