Kentuckians Reminded To Follow Speed Limits This Summer

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 6, 2026) – 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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FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 30, 2026)—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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Team Kentucky Urges Motorists To Put the Phone Down To Keep Travelers Safe

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April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Kentuckians are reminded to drive distraction-free to keep themselves and others safe on the road. As part of this month’s awareness efforts, a high-visibility enforcement campaign, “Put the Phone Away or Pay,” will run April 6–13 to reduce distracted driving through increased enforcement and public education.

Over the past decade, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads. Based on statewide law enforcement collision data maintained by Kentucky State Police, there were 5,503 crashes in 2025, 18 of which were fatal, linked to distracted driving, including cellphone use.

“There is nothing more important than your safety and the safety of your fellow Kentuckians,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “We ask that everyone do their part and put the phone down while driving – it could help save a life, prevent a life-altering injury or spare lifelong regret.”

Officials from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) joined forces to support the enforcement campaign spearheaded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

To encourage safe driving behaviors early in life, teens are encouraged to participate in this year’s Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge. Teens aged 15 -19 with a learner’s permit or driver’s license can register through April 16. Using a smartphone app, participants’ driving behaviors will be evaluated on five core safe habits, see real-time insights to help adapt driving behaviors, and compete to be named as Kentucky’s safest teen driver. A total of $10,000 in cash prizes, sponsored by Intoximeters, AAA East Central and AAA Blue Grass, will be awarded to the top five scorers. The teen with the highest overall score will win $3,000 and their school will be recognized.

“Teen drivers are some of our most vulnerable on the road due to their inexperience,” said Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Executive Director Ryan Fisher. “We are committed to keeping them safe and reminding all drivers that no text or phone call is worth a life. Stay focused and stay safe.”

There are three types of distraction when behind the wheel: visual, manual and cognitive. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, any one of these can be dangerous on its own. Using a phone while driving is especially risky because it combines all three.

In Kentucky, drivers under 18 are prohibited from using a personal communication device while the vehicle is in motion, except in emergencies to contact law enforcement or medical services  (KRS 189.294).

“Distracted driving is one of the dangers on our roadways that is completely preventable,” KSP Public Affairs Branch Commander Sgt. Sudduth said. “Whether it’s a cellphone, adjusting the radio, or anything else that takes your attention away from driving, those few seconds can change lives forever. The Kentucky State Police is committed to protecting the people of this commonwealth, and that includes encouraging drivers to stay focused and make safety their top priority every time they get behind the wheel.”

 

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MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Transportation Cabinet, KSP and AAA officials will be at the Spindletop Driver Licensing Regional Office, located at 2624 Research Park Dr., in Lexington April 1, 2026 from 10 a.m. – 11a.m. to share driver tips and discuss the Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge.

 

Editor’s note:

  • Buckle Up/Phone Down campaign radio spots, ringtones, and videos may be downloaded/viewed at com.
  • Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge assets can be downloaded here.
  • Assets from today’s event will be available after it concludes here.

 

Gov. Beshear: Team Kentucky Encourages Teens To Drive Safely and Win Big

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Gov. Andy Beshear today announced that registration is open for Team Kentucky’s second Safe Teen Driving Challenge, which encourages safe driving behaviors to keep our highways safe while also giving teen drivers the chance to earn one of five cash prizes worth a total of $10,000.

Over the past three years, there have been more than 49,000 crashes involving teen drivers, resulting in over 13,000 injuries and tragically, 197 lost lives. The Safe Teen Driving Challenge, managed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), aims to reduce those numbers by encouraging young drivers to build better habits and stay focused behind the wheel.

“As a dad of two teenage drivers who mean everything to me, I know we need to be doing everything we can to keep our kids safe on the road,” said Gov. Beshear. “This competition is one way to ensure we are helping our kids develop safe habits behind the wheel, while giving Kentucky teens a chance to win cash prizes as well.”

The challenge rewards the top five drivers with cash prizes, sponsored by AAA Blue Grass, AAA East Central and Intoximeters.

  • 1st Place: $3,000
  • 2nd Place: $2,500
  • 3rd Place: $2,000
  • 4th Place: $1,500
  • 5th Place: $1,000

 

“Teens are still developing their driving habits, which makes this an especially important time to reinforce safe behaviors behind the wheel,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins, public and government affairs manager at AAA Blue Grass. “Distractions can take a driver’s attention away from the road in an instant. AAA is proud to partner with Team Kentucky and other traffic safety advocates to support initiatives like the Kentucky Safe Teen Driving Challenge that help young drivers stay focused and build safe habits that last a lifetime.”

“Teen driver safety isn’t just about rules – it’s about protecting futures that haven’t begun,” said Rob Duckworth, regional manager at Intoximeters Inc. “Partnering with Team Kentucky to educate teens on the power of good decision making allows us to support the future of these teens and Kentucky.”

Winners will be announced in August, and the school of the winning students will also be recognized. Over 800 drivers participated in the challenge in 2025.

 

How to Join
This challenge is open to 15-to-19-year-old drivers with a valid permit or driver’s license and a smartphone. Parental consent is required for drivers under 18. To join, teens simply:

  1. Register online at kentuckyhighwaysafety.com/safe-teen-driving-challenge/ between Thursday, March 19, and Thursday, April 16, 2026 (cut-off is 11:59 p.m.).
  1. Download the DriveWell Go™ app, create a new account, and enter the contest token code.
  1. Drive safe, track your performance, and compete for the chance to win a prize.

Driving performance will be measured from April 17 to July 17, 2026, giving participants plenty of time to compete for the top spots.

 

How it Works
The app, powered by Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), uses smartphone sensor data to identify risky behaviors like speeding, hard braking, harsh acceleration, cornering and phone use. Teens can track their progress and see how they rank on the app’s leaderboard, updated every two weeks, to provide valuable data to help young drivers become more aware of their habits behind the wheel.

The app uses machine learning to identify driving behaviors from sensor data and transform them into insights. The platform automatically determines if a person is in a vehicle and calculates if they’re the driver or passenger.

“Using tech to offer personalized driving insights can help encourage safe behaviors early in life as we look to this generation to build on Kentucky’s three-year downward trend in overall highway fatalities and serious injuries,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “Driver education plus our engineering solutions and law enforcement actions all work together to make our highways safer for all.”

The Safe Teen Driving Challenge is one of many ways Team Kentucky and its partners are investing in equipping teens to be safer drivers. Other efforts include Kentucky Office of Highway Safety school outreach events that involve rollover and drunk driving simulators, the annual Ford Driving Skills for Life event, educational campaigns and localized hands on roundabout training for high schoolers.

 

For more information and to register, visit https://kentuckyhighwaysafety.com/safe-teen-driving-challenge/

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Editors: Click here for promotional graphics and videos.

Kentuckians Reminded To Arrange Sober Transportation for St. Patrick’s Day

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This St. Patrick’s Day, Team Kentucky is reminding everyone to do their part to prevent drunk driving and avoid turning celebration into tragedy. Kentuckians who plan to drink should think ahead by arranging a safe ride or designated sober driver to keep themselves and others safe.

“This St. Patrick’s Day, we ask that everyone does their part to make sure you are keeping yourself and your fellow Kentuckians safe,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “If you plan to drink, plan for a sober driver to get home safely.”

To improve roadway safety, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind everyone that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

Over the past three years, KYTC reported 40 crashes statewide related to a drunk driver on St. Patrick’s Day, resulting in 17 injuries and one fatality. Last year, approximately 14 percent of deaths on Kentucky roadways were due to a drunk driver.

To help prevent tragedies, take these steps:

  • Plan a sober ride. If you drink at all, use a designated driver, public transit, or a ride-share service.
  • Don’t walk impaired. Choose a sober companion and stay alert. Impairment increases the risk in everyday tasks like walking.
  • Report dangerous driving. Make an anonymous call to Kentucky State Police at 1-800-222-5555 to report suspected drunk drivers.
  • Step in for friends. Take the keys and help arrange a safe ride home.
  • Buckle up every trip, every time. Seat belts are the best defense against serious injury or death.

 

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Editor’s note: Visit trafficsafetymarket.gov to download the images below.

 

                   

 

 

Super Bowl Celebrators Reminded: ‘Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk’

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For many Kentuckians, celebrating Super Bowl Sunday with friends and family is a time-honored tradition. To keep an evening of celebration from turning into tragedy, Team Kentucky encourages fans to plan a safe return home if festivities include alcohol.

“We all share the responsibility to keep our roads safe however you choose to celebrate,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “If your Sunday plans involve drinking, please plan ahead and arrange 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 make the call that gets everyone home safely by driving sober.

“The choice to drive sober is a choice to save lives,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. “Together, we can eliminate impaired driving crashes and prevent deaths by planning ahead, because everyone getting home safely is something we can all celebrate – no matter who wins the game.”

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, preliminary numbers indicate 90 people in Kentucky were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver in 2025.

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-share 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; 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 in a crash.

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

Kentucky Law Enforcement Officers Honored for Impaired Driving Enforcement

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 10, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear recognized nearly 170 state and local law enforcement officers for their outstanding efforts to keep our roadways safe from impaired drivers. This honor highlights their dedication and Team Kentucky’s ongoing commitment to saving lives and keeping our roads safe.

“Too many lives have been lost or changed forever by those who have made the unlawful and irresponsible decision to drive while impaired,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’re so grateful to our law enforcement officers whose life-saving work makes Kentucky roads safer for everyone.”

The Governor’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards, held at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington and hosted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety, included awards to individuals representing more than 150 law enforcement agencies.

“When an officer stops an impaired driver on Kentucky’s roadways, they are potentially saving lives,” said Kentucky Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, Jenny True-Reed. “Their work is essential, and today we have the privilege of honoring their exceptional service to the citizens of the commonwealth.”

Awards were presented to those with the most impaired driving arrests in each agency and in each division from Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025. 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 4,263 total crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 2,068 injuries and 185 deaths.

“Too many families have felt the heartbreak caused by impaired driving,” said KOHS Executive Director Ryan Fisher. “This holiday season, we’re working alongside law enforcement to prevent these tragedies and give every Kentuckian the chance to celebrate safely with their loved ones.”

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. 10, 2025, through Jan. 1, 2026, 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 2025 Governor’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards and photos can be found here.

Kentucky Drivers Reminded To Plan Safe Rides This Holiday Season

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Team Kentucky values the safety of every driver and passenger on Kentucky roadways. In that spirit this holiday season, law enforcement across the state will be supporting the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign running from Dec. 10, 2025, through Jan. 1, 2026.

“As we get ready to celebrate Christmas with family and friends, let’s do everything we can to keep our neighbors safe,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Make the choice to drive sober or plan ahead to protect both yourself and our neighbors.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), December drunk driving deaths are at their highest nationwide in 15 years. The agency also notes that even one drink can impair driving; at a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02, visual functions and multitasking abilities begin to decline.

“Every year, lives are regrettably lost for something that was 100% preventable because someone chose to get behind the wheel impaired,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “There’s no shortage of options to stay safe, like designating a sober driver, calling a rideshare, or finding another safe ride. Protect yourself, your passengers, and everyone sharing the road this holiday season.”

Over the last five years in Kentucky, there have been 448 impaired driving-related crashes, resulting in 192 injuries and 13 deaths, during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

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/

Travel Safely This Thanksgiving: Buckle Up And Put The Phone Down

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As families across Kentucky take to the roads this Thanksgiving, Team Kentucky is reminding drivers that safety should always come first. Buckling up and avoiding distractions like cell phones not only protects you and your passengers but also helps keep your highways safe for everyone.

 

“As we gather with family and friends this holiday season, remember to make smart choices on the road,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Buckling up and driving alert behind the wheel are acts of kindness that keep you and your neighbors safe and sound.”

 

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), any activity that pulls a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or attention away from the task of driving creates a serious safety hazard. Texting while driving is particularly dangerous, as it combines all three types of distraction at once: visual, manual and cognitive. Even a momentary lapse in attention can significantly increase the risk of a crash.

 

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

 

“The most heartbreaking crashes are the ones we know didn’t have to happen,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “A seat belt clicked and a phone put away can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy. We all have the power to make choices that protect our families and everyone sharing the road.” 

 

According to 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. 

 

 

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

 

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