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Kentucky Highway Deaths Lowest Since 1947

Kentucky saw a historically low number of highway related deaths in 2013.  It’s expected to be the fewest fatalities since 1947. While well over 600 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways this year, it’s more than a hundred fewer than 2012. 

Kentucky State Police Sargent Michael Webb says it’s important to recognize the tragedy found in every fatal vehicle crash.  He says the aim is to have days in 2014 with no deaths on state highways.

“A zero day is a day where there are no fatalities on any roadway in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  And we believe we can have just as many zero days in 2014, if not more, than as we did in 2013,” said Webb.

Webb says there are several factors which have contributed to the relatively low number of fatalities.  He says those include improved highway design, safety awareness campaigns, and enforcement.  Webb says he’s not so sure distracting driving has decreased during 2013.

“Vehicles are equipped with so many different features such as smart control panels and GPS, different controls on their steering wheels.  People are eating, applying makeup, not to mention manipulating a smart phone.  So there are a lot of different distractions,” added Webb.

Webb says five individuals lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during the New Year’s holiday driving period in 2012.

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