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Fourteen Die On Kentucky Roadways During Extended July 4 Holiday Weekend (June 30 through July 4)

Date of News Release: 07/05/2006

(FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that 14 people died in 14 separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from 6 p.m. Friday, June 30, 2006, through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, 2006.

Preliminary data* indicates alcohol was a suspected factor in three of the 14 crashes. Twelve of the crashes involved motor vehicles and two involved motorcycles. One of the victims was a pedestrian. Seven of the motor vehicle victims were not wearing seat belts and one of the motorcycle victims was not wearing a helmet.

Three single-fatality crashes occurred in Jefferson County. Two single-fatality crashes occurred in Kenton County, one of which involved the pedestrian death. The remaining single-fatality crashes occurred in Caldwell, Carter, Clinton, Fayette, Graves, Madison, Montgomery, Oldham and Pike counties.

Through July 5, 2006, a total of 450 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways. This is 27 fewer than reported for this time period in 2005.

Last year nine people lost their lives during the July 4 three-day holiday weekend. Of those nine fatalities, alcohol was a suspected factor in five of the crashes. Three of the four motor vehicle victims were not wearing seat belts and three of the four motorcycle victims were not wearing helmets.

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.