Operation Crash Reduction, Antler Alert Aim To Keep Kentucky Drivers Safe

Kentucky drivers are reminded to buckle up and watch for deer while on the roadway.

Shutterstock photo.

(Frankfort, Ky.) - Two separate driving campaigns aim to keep Kentuckians safe on the roadway.

The State of Kentucky is promoting Operation Crash Reduction (OCR) to help drivers and passengers remember the importance of seat belt use and other safe driving practices.

Law enforcement will conduct a high-visibility enforcement campaign emphasizing seat belt use from Friday, October 8 to Monday, October 11.

Last year, there were 270 injuries and eight deaths on Kentucky roadways during the October 9-12 Columbus Day weekend.

“That is why we are working with NHTSA and our state and local law enforcement partners to encourage motorists to buckle up and put the phone down,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray.

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

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

Additionally, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is issuing an “Antler Alert” to remind motorists that it’s peak season for highway collisions involving deer and other wildlife.

On average, U.S. drivers have a 1 in 116 chance of a collision with an animal. Kentucky ranks above the national average and 18th among states with a 1-in-88 chance of having a collision with an animal.

In 2020, police reported 2,091 highway crashes involving deer. Of that total, 123 occurred in Boone County, the most of any county in the state. Kenton County was among the 10 highest totals per county with 68 collisions.

“Shorter days and cooler nights, October through December, bring a noticeable increase in highway collisions involving deer,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said. “Drivers should be vigilant at all times, but the autumn presents a special challenge for drivers, with deer and other wildlife increasingly on the move, often at night.”

KYTC offers these driving tips to help improve safety:

• Slow down immediately upon spotting a deer crossing the roadway; they tend to travel in groups.
• Don’t swerve to avoid a deer, which can result in a more serious crash with an oncoming vehicle or roadside object.
• In the event of a crash, keep both hands on the wheel and apply brakes steadily until stopped.
• Always wear a seat belt.
• Keep headlights on bright unless other vehicles are approaching.
• Eliminate distractions while driving: Phones down!
• Drive defensively, constantly scanning the roadside, especially at dawn and dusk when deer are most active.