Heavy Rains Impacted Traffic Fatalities Last Week (March 17 through March 23)

KSP Highway Safety Branch News Release
Date of News Release: 03/24/08

(FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that eighteen people died in thirteen separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, March 17 through Sunday, March 23, 2008. Heavy rain and inclement weather impacted traffic fatalities across the state.

Thirteen of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles and seven of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Three of the motor vehicle fatalities were a result of the suspected use of alcohol. One fatality involved a pedestrian and four involved motorcycles. None of the motorcyclists were wearing helmets.

Single fatality crashes occurred in Boyle, Calloway, Garrard, Hart, Jefferson and Shelby counties. Motorcycle fatalities occurred in Allen, Davies, Kenton and McLean counties. The pedestrian fatality occurred in Jefferson county.

A double fatality collision occurred in Monroe county and a quintuple fatality collision occurred in Hart county. The five-person fatality occurred on I-65 southbound near the 62 mile-marker when one of the vehicles hydroplaned on the rain slick highway and skidded across the median into the oncoming lane where it struck one vehicle head-on and impacted with another.

Through March 23, preliminary statistics* indicate that 160 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. That is eleven more than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 133 motor vehicle fatalities, 83 victims were not wearing seat belts. There have been 12 motorcycle fatalities and 8 of those were not wearing helmets. A total of 33 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. Fifteen fatalities have been pedestrians.

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.