Over the course of the last few years, deaths due to car accidents and other related motor vehicle accidents have begun trending lower, and recent data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that this holds true for 2022. After seeing a peak in recent years, the data has shown that these deaths are receding from these historic highs and continuing to improve.
How Kentucky traffic deaths are sharply down after historic highs
Back in 2016, Kentucky saw the highest level of traffic fatalities in the last thirteen years, with a total of 834 deaths recorded that year. This record was nearly broken in 2021 when an additional 806 Kentuckians were killed in traffic accidents across the state, a troubling figure. Many of these deaths are the result of illegal activity such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In 2022, the data has taken a positive turn, as the total number of accident-related fatalities went down 7.1% to 749 deaths, a decline that is reflected in many parts of the United States as national traffic statistics show that overall traffic fatalities are decreasing after peaking in 2020 and 2021.
You can find up to date information on the state website with a daily fatality summary, which tracks traffic accidents and highway fatalities for this year and provides comparisons with previous years data.
How people can better protect themselves on the road
Using common sense and caution while driving is the best means to further lower your chances of becoming involved in an automobile accident. One of the best ways to protect yourself while driving is to wear your seatbelt while you are driving or riding in a vehicle, and to not use a cell phone while you are driving.
Staying below the posted speed limit can also help to protect you, as can avoiding driving when you have recently had an alcoholic beverage or taken prescription drugs. By staying safe and applying these tips, drivers can work to continue to bring down the fatality numbers and further save lives on the road.