A Closer Look at Holiday Car Accidents in Kentucky

Preliminary statistics from the Kentucky State Police show that 11 people were killed in five separate crashes throughout the state over the Christmas holidays.

The holiday period that was recorded began at 6 p.m. on Dec. 21 and lasted until 11:59 p.m. on Christmas Day.

The deadly vehicle wrecks took place in Christian, Clark, Jefferson, Knox and Pike counties, according to police. Ten of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and six of the victims were not wearing seat belts. In three of the car accidents, it is believed that alcohol was a contributing factor.

The Pike County accident was a single fatality crash. Two double fatality wrecks occurred in Christian and Clark counties. In the Knox County accident, four people died. A pedestrian died in the Jefferson County collision.

Other accident statistics for 2012:

As of Dec. 25:

•  729 people have died on Kentucky roads. That’s 16 more victims than those killed at the same time last year.
• There have been 578 motor vehicle deaths and 317 of the victims were not wearing seat belts.
• 64 of the crashes involved commercial motor vehicles such as large trucks, tractor-trailers and semi-trucks.
• 76 crashes involved motorcycles, and 39 victims were not wearing helmets.
• 53 accidents involved pedestrians.
• 7 wrecks involved bicycles.
• In 139 of the fatalities, alcohol has been listed as a contributing factor.

As we round out 2012, the Law Office of Frank Jenkins strongly urges all holiday travelers to exercise extreme caution on Kentucky roads. We wish you a very safe and happy New Year.