Gov. Beshear Honors Teens in Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge

/in /by

Gov. Andy Beshear, state transportation officials and partners from AAA Blue Grass, AAA East Central and Cambridge Mobile Telematics came together at the Capitol today to honor the top four safest teens in the Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge and their commitment to staying safe on Kentucky roadways.

The four teens, Emily Emerson (1st place, $2,000), Julia Kettering (2nd Place, $1,500), Tasneem Mondal, (3rd place, $1,000) and Alejandro Ramirez-Villanueva (4th place, $500) won a combined cash prize totaling $5,000. The prize money was sponsored by AAA Blue Grass and AAA East Central.

“It’s an honor to recognize each of the participants and their commitment to keeping Kentucky roadways safer,” said Gov. Beshear. “Whether they signed up for the challenge to win or to learn, they still made a difference – and we’re proud of every single one of them.”

The challenge was announced in early January when teens ages 16 to 19 were invited to register online. The contest ran from January 25 through March 31, 2025. Once the challenge began, participants were monitored through an app on their smartphones to identify risky driving behaviors such as speeding, hard braking, harsh acceleration, sharp cornering and phone use.

“Staying safe on our highways is a responsibility everyone on the road shares at every point in our lives,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “It’s inspiring to see so many young drivers taking initiative to be safe on the road.”

More than 800 teens from across Kentucky stepped up to take the challenge. Participants represented communities large and small – from rural counties to urban high schools – reflecting a shared commitment to improving roadway safety.

“The Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge is a key step in building safer roads, and it’s inspiring to see so many teens involved,” said Bill Bell, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety. “Engaging teens early helps them develop lifelong safe driving habits.”

The Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to reduce crashes and promote safe driving behaviors among young drivers for a lifetime. By encouraging teens to adopt safe habits behind the wheel, the program aims to save lives and make Kentucky’s roads safer for everyone.

 

Editor’s Note: Media from the award ceremony can be found here

Governor Andy Beshear to Honor Winners of the Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge

/in /by

The Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge is a collaborative initiative between Team Kentucky, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety, AAA Blue Grass and AAA East Central to encourage safe driving habits among young drivers. The challenge ran from January 25 to March 31, 2025, and will conclude with an award ceremony where Gov. Andy Beshear will recognize the top four performing teens for their commitment to roadway safety. Members of the media are invited to attend and cover this celebration of Kentucky’s safest young drivers.

Governor Andy Beshear will present cash prizes to four of Kentucky’s safest teen drivers at 11 a.m. EDT on Monday, April 21, during the Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge award ceremony at the State Capitol Building, located at 700 Capital Ave., Frankfort, KY 40601.

 

WHO: Kentucky’s Governor Andy Beshear

Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Executive Director Bill Bell

Safe Teen Driver Emily Emerson
WHAT: Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge Awards Ceremony

 
WHEN: Monday, 11 A.M. EDT , April 21

 
WHERE: State Capitol Building Rotunda, 700 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601

Kentucky Officials Urge Motorists To Avoid Distracted Driving

/in /by

For National Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April, Team Kentucky and AAA East Central are partnering to drive home a life-saving message for all motorists: Buckle up, phone down.

 

Officials with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety, Kentucky State Police (KSP) and AAA East Central joined local leaders and a victims’ advocate today during an event at the Simpsonville Rest Area to share personal stories and emphasize the dangers of distracted driving.

 

“Driving distracted puts your life – and the lives of everyone around you – at risk. We want every Kentuckian and every visitor traveling through our commonwealth to make it home safely,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Let’s all do the right thing when we’re behind the wheel. Put the phone down and focus on the road. It’s a simple choice that saves lives.”

 

As part of this month’s awareness effort, KSP will participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s high-visibility enforcement campaign, “Put the Phone Away or Pay,” which runs next week, April 7-13. This nationwide initiative is designed to reduce distracted driving through increased enforcement and public awareness.

 

“One moment of distraction can lead to a lifetime of regret. No text is worth losing a family member or harming another person,” said KSP Sgt. Matt Sudduth. “While troopers enforce laws to prevent distracted driving, it’s not about writing citations; it’s about ensuring everyone makes it home safely.”

 

Over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads. According to KSP’s collision data, in 2024, 5,648 crashes, 27 of which were fatal, were related to distracted drivers, including those with cellphones.

“When we lose a life on a Kentucky roadway due to distracted driving, especially one that could have been prevented, it’s a tragic day for the commonwealth,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. “Distracted driving is avoidable, and we must do everything we can to keep people safer on our highways.”

 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 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.

 

“Distracted driving is a choice, and it’s one that can have deadly consequences. Every time you get behind the wheel, your full attention is required to keep yourself and others safe,” said Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Executive Director Bill Bell. “We are committed to spreading the message that no text or phone call is worth a life. Stay focused and stay safe.”

 

###

 

Editor’s note:  The Buckle Up/Phone Down campaign, radio spots, ringtone and videos may be downloaded/viewed at bupdky.com

 

Press event photos and video can be viewed and downloaded here.

Kentuckians Urged to Plan for a Sober Ride This St. Patrick’s Day

/in /by

Team Kentucky is reminding everyone that buzzed driving is drunk driving this St. Patrick’s Day. The holiday is celebrated with festivals, parades, and parties that often include alcohol. If consuming alcohol, Kentuckians are urged to plan ahead and designate a sober driver before the festivities begin.

“Even one drink can impair the way you drive,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “Having a plan in place beforehand to make sure you have a sober ride home is essential because ‘buzzed driving is drunk driving.’”

To help keep roadways safe, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in spreading the message that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

Over the past three years, KYTC reported 52 crashes statewide related to a drunk driver on St. Patrick’s Day, resulting in 37 injuries and seven fatalities.

According to NHTSA, on average, one person is killed every 39 minutes in a drunken-driving crash in the United States. Last year, approximately 18 percent of deaths on Kentucky roadways were due to a drunk driver.

 

To prevent tragedies from occurring, follow these simple tips:

  • Remember that it is never OK to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver, plan to use public transportation or a ride booking service to get home safely.
  • Walking while impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home and use caution if walking while intoxicated. While you may be doing the right thing by not drinking and driving, risks still exist.
  • If you see a drunk driver, contact law enforcement. You may dial the KSP toll-free line directly 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.
  • Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
  • 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.

 

###

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

Ed. note: Click here for St. Patrick’s Day Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving images.

People cheering while watching the Super Bowl

Super Bowl Enthusiasts Reminded ‘Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk’

/in /by

Regardless of who Kentuckians choose to root for during Super Bowl LIX, Team Kentucky reminds fans to make responsible choices behind the wheel. For those hosting or attending Super Bowl festivities on Sunday, Feb. 9, fans have an important job to do: help keep impaired drivers off the road so everyone can make it home safely on game night.

“As we gather to enjoy the big game, let’s look out for each other,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Plan ahead for a safe ride home.”

The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is teaming with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” reminder urging football fans to drive sober and avoid a major fumble.

“Keeping Kentuckians safe is our top priority, and we’re proud to support this national campaign to remind everyone who plans to cheer on their favorite team Sunday to plan ahead,” said KOHS Executive Director Bill Bell. “Drugs and alcohol affect both driving skills and decision-making. Impaired driving crashes are 100% preventable when you make a safe choice.”

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, preliminary numbers indicate 126 people in Kentucky were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver in 2024.

To prevent impaired driving-related crashes, the following tips are recommended:

  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 Kentucky State Police 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, it’s your best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if involved in a crash.

 

###

Editor’s note: Click here for Super Bowl image from NHTSA.

 

Kentucky Drivers Reminded To Plan Safe Rides This Holiday Season

/in /by

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/

###

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

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.

###

 

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