KOHS Releases Preliminary 2019 Highway Fatality Numbers

Fatalities were up 10 compared to 2018.

(Frankfort, Ky.) - The Bluegrass State saw an increase of highway fatalities in 2019 according to the preliminary data found by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS). 

This initial data shows that there were 734 fatalities in 2019, an increase of 10 compared to the 724 in 2018. 

“A single death is one too many,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “And our 2020 Recommended Highway Plan is our commitment to improving highway safety. Through this plan Governor Beshear calls for a historic $100 million investment in the Highway Safety Improvement Program and an aggressive move to install more than 100 miles of life-saving guardrail across the Commonwealth.”

These figures will remain preliminary until the KOHS receives all highway crash data. Final numbers will be released in April. 

To start 2020, initial numbers show a decrease from 2019. So far, there have been 56 fatalities compared to 73 this same time last year. 

KOHS Acting Director Jason Siwula is pleased with the start 2020 but says that the overall effort is to encourage safe driving habits. 

Buckle Up Phone Down, law enforcement blitzes, and free ride sharing promotions during the holidays are all media campaigns and partnerships to advocate for these habits. 

“We must give credit to the drivers who chose to practice safe driving behaviors,” said Siwula. “We pledge to do our part, but it will take everyone - all citizens of Kentucky - to reach our goal of zero deaths on our roadways.”