State Roads Take 13 Lives In Past Week

Preliminary statistics* indicate that thirteen people died in twelve separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, June 15 through Sunday, June 21, 2009.
Eleven of the crashes involved motor vehicles and 6 of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Single-fatality crashes occurred in Jefferson, Marshall (2), Montgomery, Pendleton, Pulaski (2), Rowan, and Woodford counties. Alcohol was a factor in the Pulaski county crash.
One double-fatality crash occurred in Clay county when a pickup truck crossed the center line near mile marker 23 on Hal Rogers Parkway between Manchester and Big Creek. The pickup struck a tractor-trailer tanker truck, and both vehicles were engulfed in flames.
One motorcycle fatality occurred in Warren county. The victim was not wearing a helmet and the suspected use of alcohol is a factor in that crash.
There was one pedestrian fatality in Jefferson county.
Through June 21, preliminary statistics* indicate that 357 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2009. This is the same number reported for this time period in 2008. There were 300 motor vehicle fatalities and 167 of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Seventeen pedestrians have been killed. Thirty-four fatalities involved a motorcycle and five fatalities involved an ATV. A total of eighty-three fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.
Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.
*These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.