Kentucky sees largest number of roadway deaths since 2016

FRANKFORT, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — A new report from the Kentucky Department of Transportation (KYTC) shows highway fatalities increased in 2023.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said in a news release that there were 813 highway deaths in 2023, an increase from 744 in 2022. This is the highest reported total since 2016.

Historical Kentucky highway fatality statistics:
2016 834
2017 782
2018 724
2019 732
2020 780
2021 806
2022 744
2023 813

The cabinet reported that half of the people who died weren’t wearing seatbelts.

“With more than half of reported fatalities involving unbelted drivers and passengers, Kentuckians are reminded to buckle up every trip, every time,” the cabinet said.

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“Any life lost on a Kentucky road is one too many, especially those that could have been prevented,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “We can all commit to buckling up, staying aware and driving sober and distraction-free, and Team Kentucky is committed to continuing to build safer bridges and roadways so we can reach our goal of zero traffic deaths.”

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety and Kentucky State Police (KSP), of the 813 fatalities, 51% were not wearing a seat belt and 16% involved alcohol. About 33% involved speeding or aggressive drivers, and 20% involved driver distraction. Pedestrians and bicyclists accounted for 137 deaths and motorcyclists accounted for 105.

“We’re asking motorists and passengers to commit to safe driving behaviors when behind the wheel, such as buckling up, putting the phone down, obeying the speed limit and driving sober,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “This helps keep our roadways safe, not only for those in vehicles, but for all road users, such as pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.”

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) , reported that one of the most effective ways to help reduce highway traffic deaths is to combine public awareness campaigns with high-visibility enforcement efforts.

“The last thing we want to do is notify someone that their loved one has been in a fatal crash. So, if we can potentially save a life by enforcing traffic laws, we’ll do it,” said KSP Capt. Paul Blanton. “At the end of the day, we want everyone to make it home safely.”

KYTC is launched a new KYTC Office of Highway Safety website to help families pay tribute to loved ones killed on Kentucky highways. The website features a new addition titled Memory Lane , a memorial space created for immediate family members to post stories and pay tribute to loved ones lost in traffic crashes.

“Highway safety is about more than numbers – it’s about people,” Gray said. “Our hope is that Memory Lane will help families honor their loved ones and, in turn, inspire others reading these stories to make safe choices when behind the wheel or riding along.”

According to NHTSA , wearing a seat belt gives motorists the best chance of preventing injury or death if involved in a crash. Properly fastened seat belts contact the strongest parts of the body, such as the chest, hips, and shoulders. The seat belt spreads the force of a crash over a wide area of the body, putting less stress on any one part, and allows the body to slow down with the crash.

“We encourage motorists to make safe choices on the road because it’s the right thing to do, not just because it is the law,” Blanton said. “Some may see it as an inconvenience, but traffic laws are in place for a reason – to save lives.”

KYTC reports that so far in 2024, numbers indicate 170 roadway deaths , down 13.7% compared with the same time last year.

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