Kentucky Teens Encouraged To Buckle Up and Stay Focused Behind the Wheel

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As National Teen Driver Safety Week approaches, Team Kentucky is joining the national effort to protect young drivers and save lives by encouraging teens to buckle up, stay focused behind the wheel, and talk with their parents about safe driving behaviors.

“Through year-round programs and teen-focused initiatives, we give students opportunities to learn the importance of making safe choices behind the wheel,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “By giving young people the knowledge and tools they need, we can help keep our people safe and shape better drivers for the future.”

The Teen Driver Safety Week campaign, spearheaded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is one of several school and community programs supported by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety to promote safer roadways. Throughout the year, outreach programs and hands-on activities are offered, such as a rollover crash simulator to encourage seat belt use, the Ghost Out program aimed at sober driving, and others.

These educational campaigns are focused on not only engaging young drivers in highway safety, but also on driving down injuries and fatalities on Kentucky roadways. In September, Team Kentucky announced the winners of the second Safe Teen Driving Challenge – an initiative to promote safe habits in teens across the state by giving personalized driving insights through the DriveWell Go app and reward the top five scorers win sponsored cash prizes.

Over the past three years in Kentucky, there have been more than 49,000 crashes involving a teenage driver, resulting in more than 13,000 injuries and 197 deaths. NHTSA reports that 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.

To help reduce those numbers, teens and their parents are encouraged to discuss safe driving habits such as buckling up, staying focused behind the wheel, obeying speed limits, and avoiding impaired or drowsy driving.

Those are highlighted in NHTSA’s six basic rules for the road:

  1. Avoid Distracted Driving: Keep your eyes and attention on the road. Avoid texting, phone use, eating, adjusting controls, and other distractions.
  2. Wear Seat Belts: Buckle up on every trip. Seat belts are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury or death in a crash.
  3. Minimize Passengers: Having multiple teen passengers increases the chance of risky driving behaviors and fatal crashes.
  4. Obey Speed Limits: Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react and safely navigate unexpected situations.
  5. Drive Sober: Alcohol, marijuana and other drugs can impair judgment, coordination and reaction time. Never drive impaired.
  6. Don’t Drive Drowsy: Lack of sleep can slow reaction time and increase the risk of making driving errors. Make sleep a priority before getting behind the wheel.

 

For more information and statistics on teen driving, visit NHTSA’s website www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving.

Kentucky Joins ‘Operation Crash Reduction’ To Prevent Tragedies on Roadways

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 6, 2026) – To encourage seat belt use, save lives and prevent serious injuries from traffic crashes, Team Kentucky will join with law enforcement from across the commonwealth and in several other states for Operation Crash Reduction – a seat belt enforcement campaign running from Oct. 9-12.

“In a crash, wearing a seat belt can be the difference between walking away or suffering serious injuries,” said Kentucky Transportation Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “We all have a responsibility to make safe choices on the road. Buckle up, put your phone down and help us keep Kentucky’s roads safer for everyone.

 

The Transportation Cabinet’s Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS), state and local law enforcement, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 3 are teaming up to support Operation Crash Reduction again this October. Region 3 includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.

 

“The Kentucky State Police is proud to take part in Operation Crash Reduction. We are committed to preventing crashes, reducing injuries, and making Kentucky’s roadways safer for everyone,” said Major Todd Kidd. Every driver has a role to play – by slowing down, staying focused, wearing a seat belt, and making responsible decisions behind the wheel, we can help prevent tragedies and ensure everyone makes it home safely.”

 

October consistently ranks among the months with the highest number of fatal crashes nationwide. In 2024, 3,369 fatal crashes were reported across the United States, according to NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).

 

In Kentucky, a total of 1,021 fatal crashes have occurred in the month of October since 2011. Last year, there were 386 injuries and 12 deaths on Kentucky roadways during the Oct. 10-14 holiday weekend.

 

In Region 3 states that approximately half of vehicle occupants killed in these crashes were unrestrained.

 

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.

 

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

Team Kentucky Recognizes Kentucky’s Safest Teen Drivers

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First Lady Britainy Beshear joined state transportation officials and safety advocates today to reward the top five Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge participants for demonstrating safe driving habits during the 12-week contest period aimed at improving driving behaviors and enhancing highway safety. Winners took home cash prizes totaling $10,000 from sponsors AAA Blue Grass, AAA East Central and Intoximeters.

The five teen winners were Brianna Frailey (1st place, $3,000), Claire Lodge (2nd place, $2,500), Abigail Beckman (3rd place, $2,000), Zoey Tyrrell (4th place, $1,500), and Haylee Emerson (5th place, $1,000). The winners’ ages ranged from 15 to 19 at the start of the challenge that ran from April 24 to July 18.

“As the mom of two teenagers, nothing matters more than knowing they are safe – especially when they’re behind the wheel. This contest is a positive incentive for new drivers across the commonwealth to be as safe as possible,” said First Lady Britainy Beshear. “Congratulations to our winners and thank you to every teen who took part in the challenge. Whether you walked away with a prize or not, thank you for making the choice to help protect yourself and everyone on the roads.”

Overseen by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety, the challenge was powered by the Cambridge Mobile Telematics DriveWell Go app, which uses smartphone data to measure speeding, hard braking, harsh acceleration, and distracted driving. The app calculates scores and delivers personalized, regular feedback to drivers to help them improve habits along the way. More than 980,000 miles were logged during the challenge, with 580 teen participants who met the thresholds of driving more than 100 miles and taking 30 trips during the contest. During the contest, many drivers reduced risky driving behaviors by at least 10%.

“This challenge is one of many efforts to promote safe driving behaviors that will last a lifetime and make our highways safer for everyone by preventing crashes,” said KYTC Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “Everyone who participated is truly a winner by getting valuable insights to help them become better, more confident drivers.”

Team Kentucky invests in equipping teen drivers and promoting safe highways through infrastructure improvements, multiple teen outreach events, and educational campaigns that promote distraction-free driving, sober driving, and seatbelt use.

Over the past three years in Kentucky, there have been more than 13,000 reported injuries and 197 tragic deaths resulting from crashes involving teenage drivers. The challenge period overlapped with part of the “100 deadliest days” – a term used by AAA and traffic safety organizations to describe the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when teen drivers nationally are statistically more likely to be involved in fatal crashes.

“The safest drivers aren’t simply the ones who know the rules of the road—they’re the ones who make safe choices consistently,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins, public and government affairs manager for AAA Blue Grass. “These young drivers have demonstrated that commitment throughout the challenge, and AAA is proud to recognize and reward their achievement. The habits they’re developing today can help make our roads safer for a lifetime.”

Team Kentucky Reminds Drivers To Check Child Safety Seats To Save Lives

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To help keep all children on Kentucky roadways safe, Team Kentucky is joining other states across the nation for Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 20-26, to remind drivers traveling with children to check child seats’ height and weight requirements for a safe and secure ride.

“Safety should always be the priority on the road, especially when it comes to our kids,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Knowing your child seat’s height and weight limits and making sure children are secured can make all the difference in keeping them safe.”

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13, and research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that in 39% of child fatalities in 2024 the victims were unrestrained. NHTSA also reports that in passenger cars, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers ages 1 to 4; and a reduction of 58% for infants and 59% for toddlers for light trucks.

“Prevention is key to ensuring our kids are kept safe,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “Safety resources and experts are readily available to help caregivers have the peace of mind that their child’s seat is age-appropriate and installed correctly.”

 

Free checkup events occur at various locations throughout the year. For a list of checkup events hosted this week, or for more information like guidance on choosing and properly installing a child safety seat, Kentucky’s child passenger safety laws and resources for finding a certified child passenger safety technician, visit the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety’s Child Passenger Safety webpage.

Law Enforcement and Safety Experts Recognized for Excellence in Seat Belt and Child Safety Enforcement

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Safety personnel and more than 120 state and local law enforcement officers were recognized today at the annual Governor’s Occupant Protection Enforcement Award ceremony to honor their commitment to save lives on Kentucky roads through seat belt and child seat enforcement efforts.

“Thank you to the dedicated law enforcement officers and safety professionals devoted to keeping folks of all ages safe on the road,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “From enforcing seat belt laws to educating families on safety practices, your work saves lives”

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) presented the awards in Lexington to those with the most occupant protection citations in each agency and in each division from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Award recipients received a plaque, while the top division winners were presented with the Highway Safety All-Star Award – a commemorative baseball bat from Louisville Slugger.

There are six divisions based on the 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

In addition to honoring law enforcement, KOHS also presented awards for Technician, Instructor and Child Passenger Safety Team of the Year.

KYTC Deputy Secretary Jeremy Slinker addressed the attendees and praised their efforts to save lives in their communities.

“It takes a team to keep our roads safe and these officers and child passenger safety professionals are doing their part to make a real difference by protecting our loved ones,” said Slinker.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts, when worn correctly, are proven to reduce the risk of fatal injuries to front-seat occupants by 45% and by 60% in pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans. Also, according to NHTSA, properly installed child restraints reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers in passenger cars. In light trucks, SUVs and minivans, properly deployed child restraints reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 58% for infants and 59% for toddlers.

In Kentucky, 88.5% of drivers and passengers buckle up. Annually, nearly half of all highway fatalities involving a vehicle reported unbelted occupants.

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Ed. note: A list of winners and photos from the award ceremony are available.

Governor’s Awards to Honor Law Enforcement and Child Passenger Safety Personnel for Excellence in Occupant Protection Enforcement

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Each year hundreds of unrestrained motorists lose their lives on Kentucky roadways. Law enforcement officers and child passenger safety personnel throughout the state are working to reduce these fatalities through extraordinary efforts to increase seat belt and child restraint usage.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety will honor these recipients at 11:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the Governor’s Occupant Protection Enforcement Awards ceremony at The Hyatt Regency, Lexington KY.

WHO: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Deputy Secretary Jeremy Slinker

Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Executive Director Ryan Fisher
Montgomery County Sheriff David Charles
WHAT: Governor’s Occupant Protection Enforcement Awards Ceremony
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 19

11:30 a.m. ET – Awards presented
WHERE: The Hyatt Regency

401 West High Street, Lexington, KY 40507

Kentuckians are Encouraged To Drive Responsibly Labor Day Weekend

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Team Kentucky reminds travelers to plan ahead for a safe and sober ride home to help keep roads safe as Kentuckians celebrate the unofficial end of summer during the upcoming Labor Day weekend. The awareness campaign is part of a broader effort state transportation officials are making alongside law enforcement to improve highway safety by discouraging impaired driving.

 

“This Labor Day, let’s all do what’s right and look out for our neighbors by making smart decisions that keep everyone safe on the roadway,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Do not drink and drive, put the phone down, buckle up and drive the speed limit. Too many crashes and tragedies on our roadways can be prevented by taking simple steps that ensure everyone makes it home safely.”

 

Although impaired driving enforcement is a year-round effort, crashes tend to increase over holiday weekends. The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and law enforcement agencies across the country in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” awareness and law enforcement safety campaign, reminding drivers to make a plan before drinking or using impairing substances and to always choose a safe and sober ride home.

During the 2025 Labor Day holiday weekend, there were 69 crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 49 injuries and three deaths. While the number of impaired-driving crashes decreased from 76 in 2024 to 69 in 2025, the number of injuries increased from 44 to 49, and deaths increased from one to three.

Drivers are advised to follow these tips to stay safe:

  • Before the festivities begin, plan a way to get home safely at the end of the night;
  • If you’re impaired, use a ride-booking company or taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation to get home safely;
  • 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 1-800-222-5555 or call 911. Provide a vehicle description, license number, location and, if possible, direction of travel;
  • 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 safely;
  • Wear a seat belt! It is not only the law, but it is also the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if you are involved in a crash.

 

For more information on drunk driving visit kydrivesober.com

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Labor Day Weekend Impaired Driving Data

Labor Day Weekend Impaired-Driving Data

Kentuckians Reminded To Follow Speed Limits This Summer

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With Kentucky families on the move this summer, Team Kentucky is encouraging drivers to slow down and obey posted speed limits to help keep everyone on the road safe. Transportation officials and law enforcement statewide are teaming up to promote safer roads through education and speed enforcement.

“Slowing down could save a life,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “This summer, let’s all do our part to keep each other safe by abiding by speed limits and looking out for one another on the road.”

Higher speeds increase crash severity and reduce the time drivers have to react to hazards such as stopped traffic, road debris, highway workers, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. Even five miles over the speed limit can make a difference between avoiding a hazard and a life-altering crash.

Speeding and aggressive driving are major contributors to roadway fatalities. In 2025, approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities in Kentucky involve a speeding or aggressive driver. In response, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is partnering with law enforcement agencies statewide to implement the “Not So Fast, Kentucky” speed awareness campaign through July 31. With funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, KOHS distributes full-year grants to law enforcement agencies that applied.

To support year-round enforcement efforts and safety campaigns, KOHS has distributed more than 50 handheld radar units and more than 150 dash-mounted radar units to grantees over the past three years to enhance safety.

“Speed limits are in place to protect everyone on the road,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman.  “We’re asking drivers to slow down and stay alert, especially as more workers are out in construction work zones improving roads and bridges for travelers.”

To further increase safety in work zones for Kentucky drivers and construction crews, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) began using automated speed enforcement devices in select active highway work zones in late fall of 2025.

As construction season ramps up, drivers need to stay alert and use extra caution in work zones. A work zone is any part of the highway where government crews, contractors or utility companies are doing construction, repairs, resurfacing, inspections or maintenance. To keep everyone safe, slow down, watch for signs and stay alert.

The KOHS provides the following tips for dealing with speeding and/or aggressive drivers:

  • Wear your seat belt! It is your best defense against injury and death.
  • Do not challenge the driver by speeding up or attempting to hold your lane.
  • Give them plenty of space, as they may lose control of their vehicle more easily.
  • Avoid eye contact and ignore gestures.
  • If you can safely report an aggressive driver to law enforcement, provide a vehicle description, license number, location and, if possible, direction of travel.
  • If an aggressive driver is following you, drive to a safe place such as the nearest police or fire station, gas station or other areas where there are people. Use your horn to get someone’s attention. Do not get out of your car and do not drive home.

For more information, visit notsofastky.com.

 

Kentucky Drivers Urged To Celebrate This Fourth of July Weekend Responsibly

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Team Kentucky reminds all Kentuckians to drive sober and celebrate responsibly this Independence Day to keep everyone safe on the roads. Drivers are encouraged to make plans early for a sober ride home and should expect an increased law enforcement presence during the holiday weekend to prevent drunk driving crashes, as even one drink can impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.

“As we celebrate this holiday weekend, we encourage everyone to make smart decisions so we can keep Kentucky’s roads safe for everyone,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Drive sober, look out for your friends and family, and help anyone who has been drinking find a safe way home.”

Alongside the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials are reminding drivers to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and remember that “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.” According to Kentucky State Police crash records, last year there were 55 crashes involving a drunken and/or drugged driver over the Fourth of July holiday period, resulting in 30 injuries and three deaths.

 

As part of a nationwide initiative, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is coordinating with local and state law enforcement agencies to increase high-visibility patrols and sobriety checkpoints throughout the holiday period. KOHS also provides a checkpoint truck equipped with testing equipment and a checkpoint trailer for use by law enforcement partner agencies.

 

“You might feel okay to drive, but even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can impair your ability to drive safely, think clearly or react quickly,” said Transportation Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “Don’t take the risk of putting yourself and others on the road in danger.”

 

To prevent tragedies, follow these recommendations:

Before the festivities begin, plan to get home safely at the end of the night.

If you’re impaired, use a ride-booking company, taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely.

If you see an impaired driver, safely pull over and contact law enforcement. You may dial the Kentucky State Police’s toll-free line at 800-222-5555 or call 911.

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 safely.

Wear a seat belt! It is not only the law; it is also the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if you are involved in a crash.

 

For more information visit kyhighwaysafety.com.

 

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

Ed. note: Click here for NHTSA’s Fourth of July Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign graphic.

Team Kentucky Urges Road Users To Look Twice and Share the Road

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Warmer weather means there are more ways Kentuckians may choose to travel on state roadways. Whether riding, biking or driving, Team Kentucky urges everyone to stay alert, look twice and share the road to keep all travelers safe.

“Let’s all do our part to make our roads safer by sharing them with those traveling on motorcycles or bicycles,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Safety is a shared responsibility and looking out for each other can save lives.”

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind all road users to work together to help prevent crashes, injuries and deaths on Kentucky roadways.

While motorcycles and bicycles have the right to use most roadways, they are typically much smaller than other vehicles in the traffic stream. As such, a motorcycle or bicycle may be in a larger vehicle’s blind spots.

In 2025, Kentucky recorded 1,490 motorcycle crashes, resulting in 1,092 injuries, and 114 deaths (109 were motorcyclists.) Compared to 2024:

  • 175 fewer crashes (10.5% decrease)
  • 143 fewer injuries (11.6% decrease)
  • 8 more total deaths (7.5% increase)
  • 3 more motorcyclist deaths (2.8% increase)
  • 72 fewer multi-vehicle crashes (8.0% decrease)

There were 465 crashes involving bicycles, resulting in 305 injuries and 10 fatalities. Compared to 2024, bicycle crashes and injuries have increased in 2025; however, Kentucky’s total fatalities are down by two from 2024.

“Be aware of your surroundings. Looking twice and knowing who is near you can save a life,” said Transportation Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “When changing lanes, turning, or traveling on the road, ensure no one is in your blind spot.”

One way Team Kentucky is working to keep motorcyclists safe is through the RideSmartKY program. Administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety and overseen by the Motorcycle Safety Education Commission, the program was established in 1992 to help both new and experienced riders stay safe on Kentucky roadways.

With 11 training centers across the state, motorcycle riders can enroll in courses ranging from basic to advanced. Successful completion of a course waives both the written and skills tests required to obtain a motorcycle endorsement.

 

Whether you ride, pedal, or drive, we all have a role to play in making our roadways safer.

The KOHS offers the following tips for drivers:

  • Be aware: Put your phone down and eliminate all distractions.
  • Check surroundings: Regularly check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or entering intersections.
  • Signal intentions: Use turn signals to communicate your actions.
  • Respect all road users: Maintain a safe following distance, give adequate space when passing and do not obstruct bike lanes.
  • Drive responsibly: Adhere to traffic laws. Obey speed limits to better identify and react to potential hazards, drive sober and always wear a seat belt.

The KOHS offers the following tips for motorcyclists:

  • Stay safe and visible: Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and brightly colored protective gear with reflective elements. Position yourself in the lane where you are most visible to other drivers.
  • Be aware: Maintain focus on the road and traffic at all times.
  • Signal intentions: Use turn signals and hand signals for every maneuver.
  • Ride responsibly: Adhere to traffic laws. Obey speed limits to better identify and react to potential hazards and always ride sober.
  • Take a rider training course: Find information on classes at ride.ky.gov.

The KOHS offers the following tips for bicyclists:

  • Stay safe and visible: Always wear a properly fitted helmet that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission standards and brightly colored protective gear with reflective elements.
  • Be aware: Maintain focus on the road and traffic at all times. Scan ahead for possible obstacles in your path, such as parked cars or cars pulling out or into parking spaces or driveways.
  • Signal intentions: Use hand signals when changing lanes or turning.
  • Ride responsibly: Adhere to traffic laws. Ride in the same direction as traffic and always ride sober.
  • Check equipment. Make sure your brakes are working and tires are properly inflated before riding.

 

For more information visit https://bikesafeky.com/ and https://www.ridesafeky.com/.

 

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