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Ten Die On Kentucky Roadways During Thanksgiving Holiday Period (Nov. 22 through Nov. 26)

Date of News Release: 11/27/2006

(FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that 10 people died in nine separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2006, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006. Twelve people died during the 2005 Thanksgiving holiday period.

All of the fatalities involved motor vehicles. Preliminary data* indicates that alcohol was a factor in two of the crashes. Eight of the ten of ten victims were not wearing seat belts.

One double-fatality crash occurred in Perry County and two single-fatality crashes occurred in Laurel County. The remaining single-fatality crashes occurred in Boone, Elliott, Marshall, Mercer, Muhlenberg and Pike counties.

Through Nov. 26, 2006, a total of 822 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways. This is 72 fewer than were reported for this time period in 2005. Of the 822 fatalities, 688 were motor vehicle victims, 437 of whom were not wearing seat belts. The seat belt status of 42 of the victims is not known. Sixty-nine fatalities involved motorcycles, and 45 of those victims were not wearing helmets. There were ten ATV crash fatalities and none of the victims were wearing helmets. Five bicyclists and 50 pedestrians have been killed.

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.