Eight Die On Kentucky Roadways Last Week

News Release: From: Kentucky State Police Eight Die On Kentucky Roadways Last Week (FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that eight people died in eight separate crashes on Kentucky’s roadways from Monday, March 10 through Sunday, March 16, 2008. Six of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles and three of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Four of the motor vehicle fatalities were a result of the suspected use of alcohol. One fatality involved a pedestrian and one involved a motorcycle. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet. Single fatality crashes occurred in Barren, Knox, Leslie, Madison, McCracken and Ohio counties. The motorcycle fatality occurred in Hopkins county and the pedestrian fatality occurred in Jefferson county. Through March 16, preliminary statistics* indicate that 140 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. That is four more than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 118 motor vehicle fatalities, 79 victims were not wearing seat belts. There have been 8 motorcycle fatalities and 4 of those were not wearing helmets. A total of 30 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. Fourteen fatalities have been pedestrians. 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