A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Kentucky State Police have good news — a nine percent decrease in highway fatalities in KY for 2017


For the first time in several years, 2017 saw a decrease in highway fatalities, according to preliminary figures released by the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety and Kentucky State Police on Thursday.
 
The number fell from 834 in 2016 to 770 in 2017, a drop of over nine percent, which is the lowest total since 2013, when 638 fatalities were recorded.


Highway Safety Executive Director Dr. Noelle Hunters commended Kentuckians for taking responsibility behind the wheel.


“We are encouraged by the reduction in fatalities and want the traveling public to know they’ve done a great job in helping our efforts to save lives,” she said.


On Thursday, the state’s 75 overhead and side-mount dynamic message signs will commend the commonwealth’s progress toward zero fatalities with the message: GOOD JOB KY! HWY DEATHS DOWN IN ’17.


“We hope this encourages more motorists to slow down, always wear their seat belt and never drive drunk or distracted,” said Hunter. “Let me be clear: While this achievement is to be celebrated, we believe one fatality is too many and are committed to continue working with our local, state and federal highway safety partners until this number is zero.”


The figures will remain considered preliminary, until all highway crash data is collected. A final report is expected to be released in April.


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