From a longer article by [email protected]
3/29/10
Kentucky highway fatalities dropped to a 10-year low in 2009.
There were 791 fatalities last year, 35 fewer than in 2008 and the lowest total since 1999, when the death toll was 729. Fatalities declined for the fourth consecutive year.
Acting Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock said “If our effort results in just one life being saved, it will have been worth it.”
Of the 791 fatalities last year, 649 were in motor vehicles. Of those killed, 61 percent were not buckled up and 20 percent of fatalities involved alcohol. Motorcyclists accounted for 80 fatalities. More than 60 percent of those killed were not wearing helmets and 19 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes involved alcohol.
“While the fatality decrease is an improvement, the numbers indicate many motorists still do not realize the responsibility that comes with a license,” said Kentucky Office of Highway Safety Executive Director Chuck Geveden.
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