Kentucky reported an increase in traffic fatalities in 2020 compared to 2019, despite pandemic closures that would theoretically take a large amount of traffic off roads.
The Transportation Cabinet says initial data indicates there were 778 fatalities in 2020, compared to 732 in 2019 – a five percent increase.
They say 57.1 percent were not wearing a seat belt and 15.7 percent involved alcohol. Approximately 32 percent involved speeding or aggressive drivers and 19 percent involved driver distraction. Pedestrians and bicyclists accounted for 97 deaths and motorcyclists accounted for 74 deaths.
Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray says the number of unrestrained deaths is particularly concerning, increasing by almost 6 percent compared to 2019.
So far in 2021, preliminary numbers indicate there have been 79 roadway deaths in Kentucky, down five compared to the same time last year.