A Look At New Year’s Fatalities and 2012 Car Accident Statistics

Preliminary statistics from the Kentucky State Police indicate that there were no deaths on Kentucky over New Year’s weekend.

The holiday monitoring period went from Friday, Dec. 28 at 6 p.m. to Tuesday, Jan. 1 at 11:59 p.m.

Last year, six people lost their lives in vehicle accidents over the New Year’s weekend, according to a police press release. There were more than 1,300 accidents in 2011 holiday period, and 63 of them involved alcohol.

The deadliest period for motorists in Kentucky over the holidays this year actually occurred between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, police said. Seven people died in seven separate motor vehicle accidents during that time frame.

Overall data on vehicle injuries and fatalities for 2012 shows that the number of wrecks in Kentucky is rising despite increased patrols and security checkpoints. As of Dec. 31, police records show that 737 people were killed in car crashes in Kentucky – 17 more people than the previous year.

Other findings included:

• Of the 586 motor vehicle fatalities in Kentucky in 2012, 321 victims were not wearing seat belts.
• Of the 77 fatal motorcycle wrecks, 39 were not wearing a helmet.
• 52 pedestrians were killed in traffic collisions.
• One scooter/moped rider died in a traffic crash.
• 7 bicyclists lost their lives in 2012.
• 140 deaths resulted from accidents where alcohol use was believed to be a contributing factor.

Preventing deadly motor vehicle crashes is not just the responsibility of law enforcement. You can help by contacting police if someone is driving erratically on the road. Call the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555 to make an anonymous report. If it is safe to do so, try to get a description of the vehicle, its license plate number, its location and the direction it is traveling in.

In addition, make every attempt to avoid getting close to the dangerous driver. If you are unable to avoid the vehicle due to heavy traffic or road conditions, slow down and create as much space between you and the other vehicle as possible. That can give you the best stopping distance possible if you spot a wreck further ahead in the road.

Also keep in mind that driving too slowly can make you a danger on the road as well. If you are seriously concerned about your safety around an unpredictable motorist, pull over or exit the road as soon as it is safe to do so. When you feel enough time has passed, get back on the road but remain watchful for the dangerous driver or any other ones that could pose a threat to you or your neighboring travelers.

In the event that an unavoidable accident occurs and you are injured, it may be worthwhile to talk with a knowledgeable attorney who can advise you about your legal rights to compensation under Kentucky’s personal injury, wrongful death and uninsured motorist laws.