Deadly Week on Kentucky Roads

News Release: From: Kentucky State Police Seventeen Die On Kentucky Roadways Last Week (Feb. 25 through March 2, 2008) (FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that seventeen people died in seventeen separate crashes on Kentucky’s roadways from Monday, Feb. 25 through Sunday, March 2, 2008. Twelve of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles and eight of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Three of the fatalities involved a pedestrian and two involved a motorcycle. One of the motorcyclists was not wearing a helmet. Four of the fatalities were a result of the suspected use of alcohol. Single fatality crashes occurred in Bell, Boone, Campbell, Floyd (3), Gallatin, Henderson, Jefferson, Lawrence, McCracken, Meade (2), Ohio, Pike, Spencer, and Warren counties. Through March 3, preliminary statistics* indicate that 114 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. That is two less than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 96 motor vehicle fatalities, 68 victims were not wearing seat belts. There have been 6 motorcycle fatalities and 3 of those were not wearing helmets. A total of 25 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. Twelve 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