Kentucky Drivers Urged to Drive Carefully During the New Year’s Holiday

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other law enforcement agencies across the country in the crackdown of drunk drivers during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period ending Jan. 2, 2012.

The NHTSA’s “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is being used to raise the public’s awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving and to keep would-be offenders off the road.

The NHTSA released the 2010 State Motor Vehicle Fatalities statistics in conjunction with the latest campaign. The data show Kentucky was one of many states that saw reductions in drunk driving deaths. Of the 760 traffic fatalities in Kentucky in 2010, 171, or 23%, of the deaths were alcohol-related.This is an 11% decline in alcohol-related vehicle accident fatalities from 2009. 

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates there will be from 249 to 353 traffic fatalities nationwideduring the New Year’s Day holiday period that runs from 6 p.m. Dec. 30, 2011 through midnight Jan. 2, 2012.The NSC also estimates as many as 29,700 passengers will suffer accident-related injuries requiring medical attention. 

In addition to the fatality and injury predictions, the NSC also estimates the numbers of lives that could be saved if drivers and their passengers wear their seatbelts. The NSC cites reports that seat belts are 45% effective in saving lives of passenger car occupants and as high as 50% effective for those in light passenger trucks.

Based on this information, the NSC estimates that 106 lives may be saved this New Year’s Day holiday period because of safety belt use, and an additional 76 lives can be saved if all passengers and drivers wear safety belts. Kentucky has a primary offense seat belt law that requires the driver and all passengers to wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt. 

The Kentucky legislature and law enforcement have teamed up to raise seat belt usage among all residents. Kentucky participates in the national “Click It or Ticket” safety campaign, which includes several focused efforts throughout the year to encourage seat belt use. The state currently boasts a seat belt usage of 80 percent, which equals the national average. 

The KSP also remind drivers to use their headlights as appropriate to increase visibility. According to Lt. David Jude, commander of the KSP Public Affairs Branch, “Drivers are required to have their head lamps on 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunrise.” He added, “Headlights provide enhanced vision for the driver and, more importantly, allow your vehicle to be seen by other drivers.” 

Our Lexington car accident attorneys wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year.We also encourage everyone to drive safely, and sober, wear your seatbelt and do not drive while distracted to ensure you and your family get to your destination safely.