Home » Last year 667 people died on Kentucky highways

Last year 667 people died on Kentucky highways

Second fewest deaths since 1949

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 22, 2015) — Highway fatalities in Kentucky increased in 2014, with 667 people dying on Kentucky roadways in 2014, up from 638 in 2013, according to preliminary reports from the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS). However, the 2014 total was the second lowest number of roadway deaths since 1949, when 573 fatalities were recorded.

highway“We are saddened by the fatality increase, and we firmly believe that one fatality is too many,” Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock said.  “The Governor’s Executive Committee on Highway Safety is committed to providing direction on traffic safety issues as we move ‘Toward Zero Deaths’ on Kentucky’s roadways.”

The Executive Committee includes representatives of 18 highway safety agencies and organizations such as KOHS, Kentucky State Police (KSP), federal highway agencies, local law enforcement and emergency services. Its goal is to work cooperatively to update and implement Kentucky’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan – “Toward Zero Deaths.”

KOHS Executive Director Bill Bell said there were 81 days last year in which no one died on Kentucky roadways, up from 75 days in 2013.

“Another encouraging trend was our alcohol-related crashes, which were down by more than 2 percent,” Bell said.  This is a product of the tireless efforts by law enforcement and prosecutors.”

The figures will remain classified as preliminary until all highway crash data is collected. A final report is expected by April.