If you have driven for any amount of time in Kentucky, you know that accidents can and do happen. You also know, however, that there are things that people can do to reduce the chance of being in or causing an accident. Refraining from driving after drinking or when tired, obeying speed limits and allowing sufficient space between vehicles are just a few of these things. Sadly there are many drivers who refuse to take these steps. This leaves many people injured or even dead due to senseless accidents.
This can be seen in the tragic tide of increasing vehicular fatalities in Kentucky. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that 2016 marked the third consecutive year in which the number of people killed in car crashes spiked statewide. Whereas in 2013 there were 638 traffic deaths, in 2016 there were 834. Those deaths involved accidents in which alcohol and speed were factors, large trucks were involved and more. Pedestrians and motorcylists experienced serious jumps in the number fatalties as well.
In Madison County between 2012 and 2016, 44 lives were lost in car accidents. Of those who perished, 13 died in drunk driving accidents and 11 in crashes involving excessive speed. Eleven motorcyclists and eight pedestrians were killed. Four deaths happened in wrecks involving large trucks.
If you would like to learn more about the serious risks posed to you and your loved ones on area roads and highways, please feel free to visit the vehicular collision assistance page of our Kentucky personal injury and motor vehicle accident website.