Kentucky Accidents Resulted in 13 Deaths Over Labor Day Holiday Weekend

Law enforcement officers across Kentucky took an aggressive stance against drunk drivers over the Labor Day holiday weekend that ran from 6:00 p.m., Friday, September 2, to midnight, Monday, September 5. In an attempt to curb the number of accidents and fatalities on Kentucky highways, the state participated in the nationwide crackdown on drunk driving campaign.

Research has shown that safe-driving marketing campaigns and visible law enforcement presence can reduce accidents and improve driving behaviors. Unfortunately, this year Kentucky roadways proved deadly to drivers and pedestrians alike.

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) reports that there were 13 fatalities involving motor vehicles in Kentucky over Labor Day weekend this year. This compares to just four fatalities reported during the holiday weekend in 2010.

According to Lex18.com, the deaths occurred in 11 separate crashes, including three where alcohol may have been a factor. One fatal accident involved a motorcyclist who was not wearing his helmet, according to news reports. Alcohol may have played a role in that death, according to the article.

Two additional fatal crashes involved ATV accidents in Harlan County. Neither victim was wearing a helmet, the article reported, and alcohol was not a factor.

Our Kentucky accident attorneys have previously warned motorcyclists of the hazards of alcohol use while riding a motorcycle, and the increased risk of serious head injuries for motorcyclists who ride without a helmet.

Two pedestrians lost their lives in separate accidents, and police said the use of alcohol might have played a role in both of those fatalities. In five of the deaths, the victims were not wearing seatbelts.