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KSP Highway Safety Branch News Release

Thirteen Die on Kentucky Roadways Last Week (Dec 15 - Dec 21)

Date of News Release: 12/22/08

(FRANKFORT, Ky.) -Preliminary statistics* indicate that thirteen people died in ten separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, December 15 through Sunday, December 21, 2008.

Twelve of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and eight of those victims were not wearing seat belts. The seat belt status of one victim could not be determined. Three crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. Single vehicle crashes occurred in Graves, Hardin, Jefferson, Letcher, McCracken, Shelby, and Simpson counties.

A quadruple-fatality crash occurred in Jefferson county. One pedestrian fatality occurred in Fayette county and the suspected use of alcohol was a factor in that crash.

Through December 21, 2008 preliminary statistics* indicate that 788 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 57 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 609 motor vehicle fatalities, 380 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 89 motorcycle fatalities, 53 were not wearing helmets. Twenty-three people have been killed in ATV crashes and 21 of those were not wearing helmets. Sixty-one pedestrians have been killed. A total of 167 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.

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.