Kentucky traffic statistics
According to the preliminary numbers from the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety and Kentucky State Police, there were 549 fatalities as of October 6, 2015. This is 58 more deaths than the same time last year. Of those deaths, 215 were not wearing seat belts, 137 died due to distracted driving and 104 died in DUI crashes. Reports also showed that many of the traffic deaths happened during the summer travel season. In 2014, there were a total of 672 traffic fatalities in Kentucky.
Statistics
- Kentucky has the third lowest rate of seat belt usage in the U.S.
- On average, 28 people die a day nationwide due to drunk driving.
- In 2014, there were 169 fatalities in Kentucky due to distracted driving.
Seat belt usage
Road traffic injuries and deaths are largely preventable. You have the ability to better protect yourself and your passengers from fatal accidents by wearing your seat belt. Wearing a seat belt may be uncomfortable, but it will help protect you from possible injuries in case an accident happens. It saves lives. So, whenever you are in a moving vehicle, always buckle up.
Distracted driving
Common forms of distracted driving include: texting, updating social media accounts, eating and talking on the phone. These activities take the driver’s attention away from the road. When the driver’s attention is divided, there’s a high chance of being involved in a crash. Fortunately, there are different ways to help curb distracted driving. The easiest way is to simply not use your phone while driving. Another way to prevent distracted driving ironically involves using phone apps. Whatever method you use, you have one simple goal, and that is to focus on the road.
Related: Two Ways To Help Curb Distracted Driving Among Teens
As a Kentucky Personal Injury Accident Attorney, I have always reminded everyone to not drive distracted, to always wear their seat belt and never drink and drive. These are all factors that can cause an accident. While lower gas prices and nicer weather are great for travel, they become deadly when you aren’t focused on the road or are impaired. Please always pay attention to the road and your surroundings. This will help decrease the number of traffic deaths here in Kentucky, making it a safer place to travel.