Driving News, Crime & Press Releases

Date of News Release: 09/22/08

(FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that seven people died in seven separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, September 15 through Sunday, September 21, 2008. Five of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and four of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Motor vehicle crashes occurred in Hancock, Hopkins, Mason, Pike and Trimble counties. Alcohol was suspected as a contributing factor in the Mason and Trimble county crashes.

A motorcycle fatality occurred in Union county and the victim was not wearing a helmet.

One ATV fatality was reported in Jackson county when an ATV crashed into a barbed wire fence. The victim was not wearing a helmet and the suspected use of alcohol is a factor in this crash.

Through September 21, preliminary statistics* indicate that 545 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 82 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 409 motor vehicle fatalities, 254 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 70 motorcycle fatalities, 43 were not wearing helmets. Eighteen people have been killed in ATV crashes and 17 of those were not wearing helmets. Forty-four pedestrians have been killed. A total of one-hundred and eight fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.

Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.

*These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.
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