Fed Funds New Safety Program in Kentucky

Kentucky begins ‘Blue Lights Across the Bluegrass’ campaign

Enforcement effort aims to decrease fatalities and injuries on roadways statewide

You have probably heard the ads now on 1490 WOMI; they have been airing frequently the last few days. Ominous music, a big-boy voice warning you to pay attention to the laws. Well, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Keith Todd explains it.

In an effort to raise awareness of traffic safety laws and encourage safe driving habits, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is partnering with state and local law enforcement on the “Blue Lights Across the Bluegrass” campaign throughout July.

“We are concerned with our current highway fatality numbers,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Mike Hancock. “The year started with a reduction, but beginning in May, our fatalities began a dramatic increase.”

There were 356 highway fatalities as of June 27 – 41 more than at the same time last year. Over half of those killed were not wearing seat belts. Twenty-four percent involved a distracted driver, 16 percent involved an impaired driver, and over half of those killed in motorcycle crashes were not wearing a helmet.

“With the lack of winter weather, more people have been traveling our roadways, which might explain the fatality increase,” said KOHS Director Bill Bell. “However, it does not explain why people are not making safe decisions when they get behind the wheel.”

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that seat belts, when worn correctly, reduce the risk of fatalities by 45 percent for front-seat vehicle occupants, and by 60 percent for pickup truck, SUV and minivan occupants. Also according to NHTSA, regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect against and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.

“Seat belts clearly save lives, but unfortunately too many motorists still need a tough reminder of our law,” said Hancock.

While officers will patrol all roadways in their designated city or county, a special emphasis will be placed on the areas where the majority of crashes have occurred.

“Law enforcement will be out in force, citing anyone committing traffic violations,” said Bell. “Whether you drive a car or motorcycle, you must obey the law.”

There were 721 fatalities on Kentucky roadways in 2011, including 576 people in motor vehicles. Of those, 58 percent were not buckled up and 16 percent involved an impaired driver.

Total Highway Fatalities

1999 729
2000 823
2001 843
2002 915
2003 931
2004 964
2005 985
2006 913
2007 864
2008 826
2009 791
2010 760
2011 721

The advertising campaign is paid for by Federal dollars.