Fewer deaths on Kentucky highways

On behalf of Dickman Law Offices, P.S.C. posted in Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

As written in last week’s post, a recent ranking found Kentucky to be one of the most dangerous states to drive in, but the Kentucky State Police is reporting the fewest number of fatalities on highways due to car accidents in four years.

The Kentucky State Police recorded 701 driving fatalities during 2011, 49 fewer than last year. In 2009 there were 771 deaths, 797 deaths in 2008 and 845 deaths in 2007.

A state police spokesman says the decline in highway driving fatalities can be attributed to Kentucky drivers who appear to have made changes in their driving habits. In particular, drivers seem to be more aware of the dangers of distracted driving, and seem to be paying better attention to the road.

The state police also points to their educational, enforcement and engineering efforts for the reduction in driving fatalities.

Drunk driving continues to be a cause of driving fatalities. About 114 of the total fatalities in the state were due to drunk driving related accidents.

State officials are doing what they can to reduce drunk driving fatalities by ramping up enforcement over the holidays. A number of road checks have been set up, and will run through the holiday season. Officials say drivers should be prepared to show their driver’s license, proof of insurance and registration at the various road checks.

Car accidents are a common occurrence, but often times they can be prevented. Those in Kentucky who have been injured in an accident because of another driver’s negligence may be awarded compensation. Those who drive recklessly should be held accountable for their actions.

Source: Bowling Green Daily News, “Kentucky highway fatalities down,” Deborah Highland, Dec. 27, 2011

Posted in: Car Accidents, Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents, Personal Injury