In a report published by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, highway fatalities in the Commonwealth increased in 2023 with 813 deaths — up from 744 in 2022.
It’s the highest total since 2016, when there were 834.
Looking to complement infrastructure improvements and enforcement campaigns to improve safety on Kentucky highways, state transportation officials are encouraging motorists to practice safe driving behaviors.
More than half of the reported fatalities involved unbelted drivers and passengers, meaning Kentuckians should buckle up every trip, every time.
According to the Office of Highway Safety and Kentucky State Police, of the 813 fatalities, 51% were not wearing a seat belt and 16% involved alcohol. Nearly 33% involved speeding or aggressive drivers, and 20% involved driver distraction.
Pedestrians and bicyclists accounted for 137 deaths, and motorcyclists accounted for 105.
Over the last eight years:
— Trigg County has experienced an average 4.63 deaths. From 2020-23, there were 18. From 2016-19, there were 19.
— Christian County has experienced an average 12.63 deaths. From 2020-23, there were 37. From 2016-19, there were 54.
— Caldwell County has experienced an average 3.38 deaths. From 2020-23, there were 16. From 2016-19, there were 11.
— And Todd County has experienced an average 4.13 deaths. From 2020-23, there were 20. From 2016-19, there were 13.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one of the most effective ways to help reduce highway traffic deaths is to combine public awareness campaigns with high-visibility enforcement efforts.
In an effort to help families pay tribute to loved ones killed on Kentucky highways, the newly launched KYTC Office of Highway Safety website features a feature titled “Memory Lane” – a digital memorial space created for immediate family members to post stories and pay tribute to loved ones lost in traffic crashes.
In 2024, preliminary numbers indicate 170 roadway deaths, down 13.7% compared with the same time last year.
