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Nine Die On Kentucky Roadways During Christmas Holiday Period

Date of News Release: 12/26/07

(FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that nine people died in eight separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways during the Christmas holiday period from 6:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, 2007, through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007.

All of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles and four of the victims were not wearing seat belts. One of the fatalities was the result of a crash involving alcohol.

One double-fatality crash occurred in Harrison County. Single-fatality crashes occurred in Grayson, Green, Greenup, Hardin, Harrison, Jefferson, Mercer and Pulaski counties.

Through Dec. 25, preliminary statistics* indicate that 842 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2007. This is 59 fewer than reported for this time period in 2006. Of the 681 motor vehicle fatalities, 382 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 92 motorcycle fatalities, 53 were not wearing helmets. Of the 24 ATV fatalities, 20 were not wearing helmets. Forty-three pedestrians and five bicyclists have been killed. A total of 197 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.

The Kentucky State Police and their partners in local police and sheriff's departments will continue their increased vigilance on roadways throughout the state during the New Year's holiday period, which begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007 and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008. Traffic safety checkpoints as well as saturation patrols will continue throughout this period with special emphasis on seat belt violations, speeding and impaired driving.

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.