2024 was a year of record-breaking lows in highway crash injuries and fatalities. Officials attribute the numbers to the many road improvement grants and safe driving initiatives across Kentucky.
Governor Andy Beshear said every county in the Commonwealth has received grant funds for the purpose of road safety.
“The hard work is paying off. We just received the preliminary numbers for 2024 highway fatalities and injuries, and while there are still too many, it’s good news. We lost fewer people in 2024 on our highways than we did in 2023. So, the positive news is that deaths in highway crashes dropped 14% last year as compared to 2023,” said Beshear.
Beshear said the work has brought highway crash fatalities to a ten-year low and it’s important to keep up the trend.
“And that’s why I’m asking all Kentuckians to do their part. Because your simple choices can save lives. Like buckling up, putting the phone down, driving sober, and following the speed limit,” said Beshear.
Officials said it’s also important to follow the rules for smaller passengers. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show over 90% of child safety seats in the United States are installed incorrectly. They say when used correctly, child safety seats are 71% effective in reducing infant fatalities, 67% effective in reducing the need for hospitalization, and 54% effective in reducing fatalities in toddlers.
Additionally, The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety’s second annual Safety Summit Conference will be held in Louisville May 21-23. The event will bring together professionals in engineering, education, emergency services, enforcement, and transportation safety to discuss best practices, research, and innovative solutions. Registration for the event and more information on road safety and grant funding opportunities can be found at transportation.ky.gov.