Kentucky Traffic Fatalities Down

Lee Coleman

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New statistics show that Kentucky traffic fatalities are down. Approximately 80 fewer fatalities than at this time last year. Kentucky has enacted several new highway safety measures this year and the results are beginning to show. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for ages 6-33.

"Fatality Facts
Nearly 130,000 crashes occurred in Kentucky in 2005, resulting in 985 deaths and nearly 44,000 injuries.
69% of those vehicle occupants killed were not wearing a safety belt. (560 of 811)
33% of those vehicle occupants suffering incapacitating injuries were not wearing a safety belt. (1645 of 4981)
24% of the vehicle occupants who were either totally or partially ejected were killed. (242 of 1021- not including motorcyclists)
There were 227 alcohol-related fatal collisions. (2004 = 230, 2005=227)
There were 245 persons killed in alcohol-related collisions. (2004=271, 2005=245)
From 2001-2005, 59% of all fatalities involved vehicles leaving the proper lane of travel and striking another vehicle, or a fixed object, with the vehicle subsequently overturning.
Teenage drivers represent 6% of Kentucky drivers, yet, they are involved in 16% of all fatal collisions and 21% of all injury collisions."