Kentucky Traffic Deaths Down in 2013

So far in 2013, a total of 57 people have died in 48 traffic crashes in Kentucky, according to preliminary statistics from the Kentucky State Police.

That is 32 fewer fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2012.

The death toll includes three people who died in three separate Kentucky vehicle accidents from Monday, February 11, through Sunday, February 17.

Those three wrecks occurred in Floyd, Hopkins and Jefferson counties. The victims in Floyd and Jefferson counties were not wearing seat belts, according to reports. The crash in Hopkins County involved the suspected use of alcohol – which has been cited as a possible factor in 11 other fatalities this year.

In compiling its fatality figures, the KSP includes drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

Here are additional details on Kentucky roadway deaths to date:

• Two of the 57 fatalities were motorcycle deaths.
• One of the motorcycle victims was not wearing a helmet.
• Six of the 57 fatalities have been pedestrians.
• Of the 48 motor vehicle wrecks, 27 victims were not wearing seat belts.
• One fatality involved an animal-drawn vehicle.
• As of February 17, Kentucky has had 16 days with zero highway fatalities.

There were approximately 150,000 motor vehicle collisions in Kentucky in 2011, the most recent year for which complete reports are available, resulting in 721 deaths.

In those accidents, more than 37,000 people– or one in every 137 Kentucky residents – were injured.

Under Kentucky law, when a car accident is caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of another driver, the victim may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost income, personal injuries or wrongful death.

Sources:

• Kentucky State Police http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/news.htm
• WFIE News 14 http://www.14news.com/story/21232297/huge-drop-in-kentucky-fatalities-in-2013