KOHS Campaigns For Safe Holiday Traveling

Kentucky Office of Highway Safety reminds Thanksgiving travelers to buckle up and put the phone down.

(Frankfort, Ky.) - With Thanksgiving travelers prepping to head out this upcoming week, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) wants to send out lifesaving reminders... 'Buckle up and put the phone down.'

This campaign aims to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities throughout the holiday season. 

“The upcoming holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year, so we’re extending our current ‘Buckle Up Phone Down’ campaign through Thanksgiving,” said KOHS Acting Executive Director Jason Siwula. “We believe that if all drivers practice these two simple behaviors, it will help prevent deaths and injuries on our roadways.”

A total of 1,971 crashes happened in Kentucky during the Thanksgiving holiday last year, which resulted in 420 injuries and seven deaths. Three of those deaths were from not wearing a seat belt and one involved distraction. 

“Sometimes even the most attentive drivers are involved in a crash caused by other drivers,” said Siwula. “That’s why wearing a seat belt is the best defense against serious injuries and death. It is your best protection against a speeding, distracted or drunken driver.”

In 2019, there has been 659 deaths as of November 21. This number is up by 10 compared to this time last year. These deaths include 265 that were not wearing a seat belt and more than 140 involved distraction. 

“A single death is frankly one too many and we’re asking for the public’s help,” said Siwula. “By making a commitment to practice these safe driving habits, we can make a difference and save lives.”

You can visit http://kyhighwaysafety.com/ for more information on the campaign.