Six Fatalities Reported During Thanksgiving Holiday Period
(FRANKFORT, Ky.) – Preliminary statistics* indicate that nine people died in seven separate crashes on Kentucky’s roadways from Monday, Nov. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.
Three fatalities occurred prior to the start of the Thanksgiving holiday reporting period. One double fatality motor vehicle crash occurred in Laurel County. One single fatality motor vehicle crash occurred in Meade County.
Six fatalities were reported as the result of five crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which started at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 21 and ended at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday Nov. 25. One double fatality crash occurred in Barren County. Both victims were not wearing seat belts and the suspected use of alcohol was involved. One single fatality crash occurred in each of the following counties: Garrard, Oldham, Rockcastle and Rowan. The victims in Garrard and Rockcastle counties were not wearing seat belts.
In 2011, 1,289 traffic crashes occurred throughout Kentucky during the Thanksgiving holiday period, claiming six lives and injuring 393 people.
Through Nov. 25, preliminary statistics* indicate that 657 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2012. This is eight fewer than reported for this time period in 2011. Of the 518 motor vehicle fatalities, 288 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 73 motorcycle fatalities, 38 were not wearing a helmet. Eleven of the 13 ATV fatalities were not wearing a helmet. Forty-six pedestrians, one scooter/moped rider and six bicycle riders have been killed. A total of 119 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
