Kentucky Joins ‘Operation Crash Reduction’ to Prevent Tragedies on Roadways

Regional Effort Focused on Seat Belt Safety to Reduce Crashes Oct. 10-13.

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(Frankfort, Ky.) - To encourage seat belt use, save lives and prevent serious injuries from traffic crashes, Team Kentucky will join with law enforcement from across the Commonwealth and several northeastern states Oct. 10-13 to conduct a high-visibility enforcement campaign, Operation Crash Reduction.

“Buckling your seat belt only takes a few seconds, but those seconds can make all the difference in protecting yourself, your loved ones, and everyone on the road,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “It’s a simple step that can save your life or prevent serious injury every time you get in a car.”

The seat belt enforcement campaign is focused on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 3, which includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia – a region that sees some of the nation’s highest numbers of traffic deaths.

“Too many lives are lost each year on our roadways because of preventable crashes," Major Eric Walker said. "By joining Operation Crash Reduction, the Kentucky State Police strengthens our commitment to saving lives through education and enforcement. Even the smallest decisions, like buckling up or slowing down, can make the biggest difference.”

Since 2011, October has been the month with the highest number of fatal crashes in the United States. And, more roadway deaths have occurred on Columbus Day weekend than during the holiday periods of Thanksgiving or Memorial Day. In Kentucky, a total of 1,361 fatal crashes have occurred in the month of October since 2011. Last year, there were 365 injuries and 10 deaths on Kentucky roadways during the Oct. 10-15 holiday weekend.

According to NHTSA, when worn correctly, seat belts reduce the risk of fatalities by 45 percent for front-seat vehicle occupants and by 60% for pickup truck, SUV and minivan occupants.

“In the event of a crash, your seat belt offers the best protection against serious injuries or fatalities,” said Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. “We want to remind everyone to buckle up and keep their phones down – simple steps that can save lives.”

For more information on seat belts, visit nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/seat-belts