Kentucky Drivers Reminded To Plan Safe Rides This Holiday Season

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To help protect our new Kentucky home and keep roadways safe this holiday season, law enforcement across the state is joining Team Kentucky in supporting the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign from Dec. 11, 2024, through Jan. 1, 2025.

 

To raise awareness and kick off the campaign, local highway officials joined together for a news conference today at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).

 

“With the holiday season here, we want to remind all Kentuckians to celebrate responsibly,” said Bill Bell, executive director of the KYTC Office of Highway Safety. “Every crash caused by impaired driving is entirely preventable. Our message is straightforward: Plan ahead for a sober ride so your family starts the new year with happiness, not heartache.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impaired driving-related crashes tend to increase during the holidays.

 

Lt. Kim Klare from Erlanger Police Department spoke about the critical importance of driving sober.

“One of the hardest parts of our job is knocking on a family’s door to deliver the devastating news that their loved one isn’t coming home,” said Lt. Klare. “Those moments never leave you. They’re a stark reminder that every choice we make behind the wheel has the power to change lives forever.

In Kentucky, 452 impaired driving-related crashes, resulting in 179 injuries and 11 deaths, occurred during the Christmas and New Year holidays over the last five years

To prevent impaired driving-related tragedies this holiday season, KYTC recommends the following:

  1. Before festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night;
  2. If impaired, use a ride-booking company or taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation;
  3. If you see an impaired driver, safely pull over and contact law enforcement. You may dial the KSP toll-free line directly at 800-222-5555 or call 911;
  4. If you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination; and
  5. Wear a seat belt! It is not only the law, but also the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if involved in a crash.

The “Drive Sober” campaign is funded by NHTSA and distributed to law enforcement agencies through each state’s highway safety office.

For more information on drunken driving, visit https://kentuckyhighwaysafety.com/drive-sober-holiday/

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Editor’s Notes:

Click here for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over logo.

Click here for video and photos of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over press event.

Kentucky Law Enforcement Officers Honored for Impaired Driving Enforcement

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Today, nearly 200 state and local law enforcement officers were honored for extraordinary efforts to protect motorists from impaired drivers as part of Team Kentucky’s continuing commitment to save lives on Kentucky roadways.

The Governor’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards, held at the Campbell House in Lexington and hosted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety included awards to individuals representing more than 180 law enforcement agencies.

“Every impaired driving crash is 100% preventable, and the work of Kentucky’s law enforcement officers to stop those who make the dangerous and deadly decision to drive impaired is invaluable,” said Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Regional Executive Director (former National President) Alex Otte. “These officers are not just saving lives and preventing injuries – they are reminding those who have been impacted that we aren’t fighting alone.”

Awards were presented to those with the most impaired driving arrests in each agency and in each division from Oct. 1, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2024. Award recipients received a plaque, while the top division winner was presented with the Highway Safety All-Star Award – a commemorative baseball bat from Louisville Slugger. There are six divisions, broken down by number of officers within the agency, and a division for Kentucky State Police:

  • Division I                    1-10 officers
  • Division II                   11-25 officers
  • Division III                 26-50 officers
  • Division IV                  51-100 officers
  • Division V                    100+ officers
  • Division VI               Kentucky State Police

According to the KOHS, last year in Kentucky there were 4,324 total crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 2,085 injuries and 181 deaths.

“Impaired driving has caused unimaginable pain for too many families,” said KOHS Executive Director Bill Bell. “This holiday season, we’re committed to helping law enforcement crack down on this preventable crime by providing federal funding for enhanced enforcement efforts.”

The KOHS, Kentucky State Police and local law enforcement agencies are partnering for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday enforcement campaign. Officers will be out Dec. 11, 2024, through Jan. 1, 2025, watching for any moving hazardous violation, with an emphasis on impaired driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds the campaign and reports high-visibility enforcement reduces impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20%.

A list of recipients for the 2024 Governor’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards can be found here. Ceremony photos can be viewed here.

Officers and Troopers to be Honored with Governor’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec 10, 2024) – Law enforcement officers and troopers throughout the state are working to reduce impaired-driving related fatalities to keep Kentucky roadways safe for travelers.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety will honor these officers at 11:30 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Governor’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards ceremony at The Campbell House located at 1375 S Broadway, Lexington.

 

WHO:Executive Director Bill Bell, Kentucky Office of Highway Safety

Mothers Against Drunk Driving National President Alex Otte

State Highway Engineer James Ballinger, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

WHAT:Governor’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards ceremony
WHEN:Wednesday, Dec. 11

11:30 a.m. EST – Awards presented

WHERE:The Campbell House located at 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Thanksgiving Travelers Urged To Buckle Up and Put the Phone Away

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As the holidays approach, Team Kentucky reminds motorists of two simple actions to take to keep everyone safe on the roads during the busy travel season – buckle up and put the phone down.

“With more travelers and pedestrians on and near our roadways visiting loved ones for the holidays, I’m asking everyone to make the safe choice by staying alert, buckling up and putting the phone down,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “These simple actions can help us keep each other safe, whether we’re behind the wheel or walking nearby.”

Over the last 10 years, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel or mind off the task of driving is a hazard. Texting  while driving is especially risky because it combines all three types of distraction – visual, manual and cognitive.

Data from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety shows that each year distracted driving results in more than 40,000 crashes, more than 11,000 injuries and more than 150 deaths.

“The hardest losses to accept are the ones that could have been prevented,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “These are real people, not just numbers – lives lost or forever changed because someone made an unsafe choice behind the wheel.”

According to the NHTSA, when worn correctly, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% for front-seat vehicle occupants and 60% for pickup truck, SUV and minivan occupants. Properly fastened seat belts contact the strongest parts of the body, such as the chest, hips and shoulders. A seat belt spreads the force of a crash over a wide area of the body, putting less stress on any one part.

“Even the safest drivers can be involved in a crash due to someone else’s unsafe choices,” said Secretary Gray. “That’s why buckling up is essential as your first line of defense if a crash occurs.”

According to KOHS, each year in Kentucky, more than half of those killed in motor vehicles are not wearing a seat belt.

For more information, please visit https://bupdky.com/.

Gov. Beshear Proclaims Nov. 18-22 Crash Responder Safety Week

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To help safeguard those who protect us, Gov. Andy Beshear is proclaiming Nov. 18-22 as Crash Responder Safety Week in Kentucky.

“Emergency responders and public safety personnel statewide put their lives on the line daily to help Kentuckians and travelers on our roads,” said Gov. Beshear. “By slowing down and moving over when they’re working, we can do our part to keep these roadside heroes safe too.”

Kentucky’s “Slow Down, Move Over” law recently expanded to protect a wider range of roadside responders and citizens, requiring drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed when approaching any stationary vehicle displaying flashing lights or warning signals, including emergency, towing and disabled vehicles.

“Moving over isn’t just a courtesy – it’s the law,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “Stay vigilant, reduce your speed and make room to keep everyone safe.”

This law aims to create a safer environment for first responders, highway crews and motorists, reminding drivers to proceed with caution near anyone working or stranded roadside.

“Our first responders perform heroic work, often with vehicles rushing by at alarming speeds,” said Secretary Gray. “The least we can do is support them by slowing down and staying alert behind the wheel.”

Unfortunately, first responders are injured or killed every year by drivers who fail to move over. In Kentucky over the past three years, crashes involving emergency vehicles in response to an incident resulted in more than 1,000 collisions, more than 380 injuries and seven deaths.

In addition to educating motorists, local responders are encouraged to take the free National Traffic Incident Management Responder training from the Federal Highway Administration to stay updated on best practices. More than 600,000 responders nationwide have been trained to date through free in-person, online instructor-led or online self-paced curriculum.

All 50 states have enacted “Move Over” laws.

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Editor’s notes:  Click here for Move Over logo and here to view the proclamation.

Gov. Andy Beshear Declares Oct. 30 ‘Buckle Up, Phone Down Day’ to Promote Safer Highways

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Team Kentucky and Gov. Andy Beshear are calling on all Kentuckians to take two simple actions to make highways safer for everyone as the state recognizes the second inaugural ‘Buckle Up, Phone Down Day’ Oct. 30.

“Every time we get behind the wheel, we take on the responsibility to protect ourselves and those around us,” said Gov. Beshear. “Buckling up and putting the phone down are practical ways to keep everyone safe and avoid losing more lives on our roads.”

Over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads. According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety, each year in Kentucky, distracted driving results in more than 40,000 crashes, more than 11,000 injuries and more than 150 deaths.

“We’re reminding drivers that even a moment of distraction or not buckling up can change someone’s life forever,” said Secretary Jim Gray. “By staying focused and always wearing a seat belt, we can help prevent tragedies on our roads.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel or mind off the task of driving is a hazard, texting and using a phone while driving is especially risky because it combines all three types of distraction – visual, manual and cognitive.

“We’re reminding motorists that even the most attentive drivers can still be involved in a crash caused by others,” said Sec. Gray. “The best defense for you and your loved ones is to always be buckled up.”

According to the NHTSA, wearing a seat belt gives motorists the best chance of preventing injury or death if involved in a crash. Properly fastened seat belts contact the strongest parts of the body, such as the chest, hips and shoulders. A seat belt spreads the force of a crash over a wide area of the body, putting less stress on any one part, and allows the body to slow down with the crash, extending the time when the crash forces are felt by the occupant.

According to KOHS, each year in Kentucky, nearly half of those killed in motor vehicles are not wearing a seat belt.

The Buckle Up/Phone Down campaign was created in Missouri in 2017 and was adopted in Kentucky in 2019. Gov. Beshear has previously declared a proclamation for ‘Buckle Up, Phone Down Day’ in 2023.

Visit bupdky.com to learn more and to download an original cell phone ringtone.

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Editors note:  Radio spots, ringtone and videos may be downloaded at bupdky.com

The 2024 Buckle Up Phone Day proclamation is available here.

Kentuckians Are Encouraged To Be Safe When Driving This Halloween

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As Halloween approaches, Team Kentucky reminds all Kentuckians that “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.” Make sure your Halloween celebration plans include being safe, sober and watchful for pedestrians while behind the wheel.

Team Kentucky and the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety are partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind motorists that driving under the influence of any substance puts you and others in danger.

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety, last year in Kentucky, there were 4,324 highway crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 2,085 injuries and 181 deaths. Over the Halloween weekend, 53 alcohol-involved collisions resulted in one death and 34 injuries.

“You may feel like you’re fine, but consuming drugs or alcohol not only impairs your ability to drive, but it also clouds your judgment about whether you should even be on the road,” said KYTC Secretary Gray. “Impairment slows your reaction time, coordination, and decision-making – putting not only your life at risk but also the lives of everyone around you. Even a momentary lapse in judgment can lead to devastating consequences.”

Secretary Gray urged drivers to be extra cautious of pedestrians during Halloween, whether it’s children out trick-or-treating or adults who are under the influence of a substance.

“Walking while intoxicated can be just as dangerous as driving impaired,” Gray said. “A lack of awareness of your surroundings puts pedestrians at serious risk of being struck by a vehicle.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers.

Follow these simple tips for a safe and happy evening:

  • Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride-sharing service to get home safely.
  • Walking while impaired can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.
  • If you see a drunk driver, contact law enforcement. You may call the Kentucky State Police toll-free line at 1-800-222-5555 or use the one-touch dial feature through the Kentucky State Police’s app. Callers will remain anonymous and should provide a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel, and license number if possible.
  • Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take their keys away and arrange for a safe ride home.
  • Always wear a seat belt while in a vehicle. It is not only the law; it is the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if involved in a crash.
  • Use caution if walking while intoxicated. While you may be doing the right thing by not drinking and driving, risks still exist.

For more information, visit nhtsa.gov/campaign/buzzed-driving.

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Ed. note: Click here for Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving logo.

Kentucky Parents Encouraged To Teach Teens ‘Keys to Driving’ Before They Take to the Road

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Supporting the Beshear administration’s priority of road safety for Kentucky families, state transportation officials are encouraging parents and guardians during National Teen Driver Safety Week to make sure their teens know the rules of the road before handing them the keys.

“This week reminds us how important it is to instill good driving habits in our young drivers to protect them and everyone else on the road,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “As a parent of future teen drivers, I encourage families to engage in open conversations about safe driving practices and responsible behaviors that will keep them safe for a lifetime.”

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is helping empower parents by joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in its efforts during National Teen Driver Safety Week, Oct. 20-26.

According to NHTSA, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. Per mile driven, teens are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers.

“Teen drivers, being new to the road, pose a risk to themselves and others,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “While laws play a crucial role in ensuring safety, they alone aren’t sufficient. Parents should establish clear guidelines before giving their teens the car keys and lead by example when driving themselves.”

According to KYTC’s Office of Highway Safety, over the past three years in Kentucky, there were more than 47,000 crashes involving a teenage driver, resulting in more than 13,000 injuries and 210 deaths.

NHTSA’s website, www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving, has information and statistics on teen driving and outlines six basic rules for the road:

  1. Avoid Distracted Driving: According to NHTSA, driver distraction is the leading factor in most crashes. Avoid distractions, like talking or texting on cellphones, talking to passengers, adjusting audio and climate controls and eating or drinking while driving. Additionally, headphones are not safe to wear while driving, as they can distract a driver from hearing sirens, horns or other important sounds.
  2. Wear Seat Belts: Wearing a seat belt is the best protection against injury and death, yet according to NHTSA, teens are less likely to be buckled up than members of any other age group. Properly fastened seat belts contact the strongest parts of the body, such as the chest, hips and shoulders. A seat belt spreads the force of a crash over a wide area of the body, putting less stress on any one part, and allows the body to slow down with the impact, extending the time when the occupant feels the crash forces.
  3. Take Extra Caution While Driving with Passengers. Passengers in a teen’s car can lead to tragedy. NHTSA research shows that the risk of a fatal crash goes up dramatically in direct relation to the number of passengers in a car. The likelihood of teen drivers engaging in risky behavior triples when traveling with multiple passengers.
  4. Obey Speed Limits: Limits are put in place to protect all road users. Driving over the speed limit greatly reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object or an unexpected curve. According to NHTSA, young males are most likely to be involved in speed-related fatal crashes.
  5. Never Drive Impaired: All teens are too young to legally buy, possess or consume alcohol, but they are still at risk. Once a person takes a drink, impairment begins. Alcohol slows reflexes, weakens coordination, blurs eyesight, gives a false sense of being in control and leads to risky decision-making. Like alcohol, marijuana and other drugs also affect a driver’s ability to safely react to their surroundings.
  6. Don’t Drive Drowsy. Between school and extracurricular activities, teens are busier than ever and tend to compromise something very important: sleep. According to NHTSA’s National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Study, drowsy drivers are twice as likely to make performance errors in a crash as compared to drivers who are not fatigued.

For additional assistance, the KOHS partnered with the Kentucky Safety Prevention Alignment Network (KSPAN) to develop the Kentucky Checkpoints™ program. This free program works with county and community entities, high schools and health departments to educate parents and teens on Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) requirements and risks to teen drivers. The program is available for free in all 120 counties with a “Train the Trainer” class and printed materials provided for free. To learn more, visit the KSPAN website, and/or contact KSPAN Program Coordinator Steve Sparrow at Steve.Sparrow@uky.edu

Additional information on GDLraduated Driver Licensing requirements can be found on Kentucky’s graduated driver licensing (GDL) law website.

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Operation Crash Reduction runs Oct. 11-14

Kentuckians Encouraged To Work Together To Save Lives on Roadways

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As part of a regional initiative aimed at encouraging seat belt use to save lives and preventing serious injuries due to traffic crashes, law enforcement throughout Kentucky will conduct a high-visibility enforcement campaign, called Operation Crash Reduction, Oct. 11 through Oct. 14.

“Sharing the road with other drivers means a lot is beyond our control, but one thing we can each decide is to make the safe choice to buckle up every time,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Seat belt use and responsible driving practices for both drivers and passengers can be the difference between life and death.”

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS), state and local law enforcement and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are teaming up to support Operation Crash Reduction. The operation is focused on NHTSA Region 3, consisting of Delaware, the District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia – a region that sees some of the nation’s highest numbers of traffic deaths.

Since 2011, October has been the highest month for fatal crashes in the United States. In Region 3 states, approximately half of vehicle occupants killed in these crashes were unrestrained. Additionally, since 2011, more roadway deaths have occurred on Columbus Day weekend than during the holiday periods of Thanksgiving or Memorial Day.

“For several years now, we have had this troubling trend,” said NHTSA Regional Administrator Stephanie Hancock. “We know that speed, distraction and impairment are the root causes of most of the crashes in these states. However, seat belt and child safety seat use are your primary sources of protection in crashes caused by speeding, impaired or distracted drivers.”

In Kentucky, there have been 1,297 fatal crashes during the month of October since 2011. In eight of those years, October had the highest or second highest number of fatal crashes. Last year there were 417 injuries and seven deaths on Kentucky roadways during the Oct. 7-9 holiday weekend.

“A simple click is all it takes to save a life,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray.  “In the event of a crash, securely fastened child seats and seat belts offer the best protection against serious injuries or fatalities. That’s why we’re working together with NHTSA and our state and local law enforcement partners to remind drivers to buckle up and keep their phones away.”

According to NHTSA, when worn correctly, seat belts reduce the risk of fatalities by 45% for front-seat vehicle occupants and by 60% for pickup truck, SUV and minivan occupants.

“Seat belts save lives,” said Hancock. “Everyone – front seat and back, child and adult – should remember to buckle up.”

For more information on seat belts, visit nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/seat-belts

EDITORS NOTE: Click here for Operation Crash Reduction image.

Gov. Andy Beshear: ‘October Is National Pedestrian Safety Month’

Gov. Andy Beshear: ‘October Is National Pedestrian Safety Month’

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Gov. Andy Beshear, who has made public health and safety a top priority of his administration, today encouraged Kentuckians to work together to ensure our roadways are safe for everyone.

“October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and we’re asking everyone to do their part to watch out for each other on the roads,” said Gov. Beshear. “If drivers and pedestrians alike look out for one another, we can help ensure everyone gets home safely.”

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to promote safe driving and walking tips throughout October.

Staying alert is especially important as the end of Daylight Saving Time approaches and nightfall comes earlier. According to NHTSA, most crash-related pedestrian fatalities occur at night.

Of 121 pedestrian deaths in Kentucky last year, 91 occurred after dark. So far this year, there have been 75 pedestrian deaths, 56 of which occurred after dark.

“Practicing mindful behaviors like staying off your phone while driving or walking can prevent numerous tragedies on Kentucky’s roads,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “We are dedicated to creating a transportation network that prioritizes safety, inclusivity and accessibility for everyone who uses it.”

Streets, roads and highways were originally designed around cars and trucks. In 2022, Gov. Beshear announced the publication of the “Complete Streets, Roads and Highways Manual” produced by KYTC. The manual provides guidance, recommendations and resources to transportation organizations and agencies on prioritizing safety for all road users – motorists, motorcyclists, transit riders, bicyclists and pedestrians.

A “complete street” is safe and accommodating for all users. Its design can vary according to land use, corridor characteristics and types of travelers who are expected to use it. Implementation may include a dedicated space for pedestrians and cyclists, such as bike lanes (or wide, paved shoulders), sidewalks, crosswalks, median islands, accessible pedestrian signals, roadway reconfigurations and roundabouts.

The KOHS and NHTSA recommend the following behaviors to improve safety for all road users:

Motorists:

  1. Put the phone down and pay attention. Driving while distracted increases risk for all road users.
  2. Yield the right of way to pedestrians. Be especially careful at intersections when turning onto another street.
  3. Keep your windshield, windows and mirrors clean so you can scan the road ahead and establish a “visual lead.”
  4. Obey the speed limit. Driving at the posted limit allows you to see, identify and react in time to brake for pedestrians.
  5. Slow down and turn on your headlights during evening hours when you need more time to see a pedestrian in your path.
  6. Be aware in neighborhoods and school zones. Children are often the smallest pedestrians, making them harder to see. Additionally, younger children may dart into intersections without understanding the dangers.
  7. Drive sober. As with pedestrians, alcohol and drugs affect judgment, balance and reaction time. Always make a plan for a safe ride home.
  8. Buckle up. Wearing a seat belt gives you the best protection against injury and death.

 

Pedestrians:

  1. Use crosswalks when available. Avoid jaywalking and crossing between parked vehicles.
  2. Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If you must walk on the street, walk facing traffic.
  3. Don’t depend on the traffic signal to protect you. Motorists may be distracted, especially when adjusting to the nighttime travel environment.
  4. Increase visibility, especially at night. Carry a flashlight, wear reflective clothing or attach reflective materials – such as fluorescent tape – to clothing, backpacks, purses and briefcases. These materials reflect light from headlights back to drivers, making it easier to see you.
  5. Just because you can see a motorist does not mean the motorist can see you. If you cannot make eye contact or do not see the driver slow down for you, wait until the vehicle passes, even if you have the right of way.
  6. Put the phone down and pay attention. Distraction changes the way you walk, react and behave, including safety-related behaviors.
  7. Alcohol and drugs affect judgment, balance and reaction time, so always make a plan for a safe walk home.

Visit walksafeky.com for campaign logos and additional information.

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