Related: Study: 4.2 Million Admitted To Driving While Intoxicated
- The number of fatalities rose to 672, a 5.3% increase from the 638 fatalities reported in 2013.
- Out of the 672 fatalities, 196 were female while 476 were male.
- The 15 to 24-year-old age group accounted for 21% of fatalities in traffic collisions.
- In Clark County, seven fatalities were recorded in 2014.
- Meanwhile, 34,221 people were injured on public roads, a .1% increase from the 34,180 injuries recorded in 2013.
- The report estimated that one out of every 7,400 Kentucky residents died as a result of a fatal traffic collision, while one out of 145 was injured.
- Approximately one out of every 17 licensed drivers in Kentucky was involved in a traffic collision.
- One out of 4,100 Kentucky drivers was involved in a fatal collision.
- On collisions, 64% involved two or more moving vehicles while 19% involved fixed objects.
- On fatal collisions, 40% involved fixed collisions while 35% involved another moving vehicle.
- In alcohol-related collisions, the total number of fatalities dropped to 156 from the 163 recorded in 2013.
- The number of injuries decreased to 2,067 from the 2,339 reported in 2013.
Safe driving tips
Overall, the number of traffic accidents in Kentucky and Clark County increased in 2014. This isn’t good. Fortunately, we can decrease these numbers. Here are some general driving tips worth keeping in mind as you drive:
- Follow traffic rules. They’re implemented to keep us safe.
- Buckle up. Make sure your kids are in the proper car or booster seat.
- Never drink and drive. If there’s any chance you’ll be drinking, designate a driver, who will stay sober, early on so everyone can get home safely.
- Report a reckless or drunk driver to the authorities.
- If you’re in an accident, make sure to notify the nearest police station to report your accident.
As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I’m happy that we saw a decrease in some areas cited in the report, such as the alcohol-related collisions. Nonetheless, we’re aiming for zero fatalities. Let’s continue working together to make roads safe for everyone.