Although some of the numbers show a slight improvement, vehicle crash and fatality statistics in Kentucky remain troubling. As reported by WDRB News, more than 700 vehicle fatalities occurred during 2019 on the Bluegrass State’s highways.
According to figures compiled by the Kentucky State Police, almost 10% of the roadway fatalities in 2019 involved a pedestrian. Alcohol was a factor in close to 15% of the state’s fatal accidents.
Drivers running red lights contribute to Kentucky’s fatalities
One contributing factor to the state’s roadway deaths appears to be the number of drivers running red lights. In more than half of the deadly red-light collisions, the driver running the light was the cause and not the victim. As noted by the Lane Report, the most recently available crash data placed Kentucky in the Number Seven spot for incurring the highest number of per capita red-light fatalities.
Interstate 75 ranks as Kentucky’s top crash location
I-75 accounts for almost 4,000 collisions each year. The majority of them — greater than 300 in a recent year — occur on a single stretch of roadway spanning Rockcastle County. WKYT notes that the high number of collisions on I-75 are attributable to a combination of continuing heavy roadwork and motorists traveling at 70 mph in a 50 mph zone. The construction work requires drivers to stop suddenly and the roadway also lacks space for motorists to pull over.
Regardless of how, when or where a motor vehicle accident occurs, survivors and victims may face life-altering consequences. In some cases, there can be overwhelming grief when a fatality occurs. When another driver’s negligence causes harm to you or a loved one, a legal action may help begin the process of recovery and moving forward.
