According to the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety, through mid-December, there had been just over 735 deaths on Kentucky’s roads.
At the same time in 2020, there had been 755 deaths, meaning that 2021 is on trend for being a slightly better year in terms of fatal traffic accidents in Kentucky. By the end of 2020, there had been 780 traffic deaths on Kentucky’s roads.
While obviously over 735 deaths is too many, the downward trend is especially noteworthy since people traveled more in 2021 than they did in 2020.
Fatal truck and motorcycle accidents remained a serious problem this year
While the number of traffic-related deaths are down overall, motorcyclists and those involved in commercial vehicle accidents have not fared as well.
Through mid-December 2021, 96 people had died in accidents involving a commercial vehicle. This is already more than the 95 who died in all of 2020. Likewise, 81 motorcyclists had died through mid-December 2021; the number was only 74 in all of 2020.
While it is harder to give a basis of comparison, it is also significant through most of 2021, 71 pedestrians and bicyclists have died in crashes in this state.
Truck drivers need to be safe, and everyone should watch out for motorcyclists
While there are some promising signs, this year’s statistics suggest that our state still has a way to go when it comes to traffic safety.
In particular, this year’s numbers should remind truck drivers and their employers that safety is important.
Drivers need to slow down, get plenty of rest and pay careful attention to the road at all times. A push for higher profits is no excuse to compromise on basic safety.
Every motorist in this state should continue to look out for motorcyclists in all seasons, especially at intersections and at other locations where it can be hard to spot a motorcycle.
Drivers who fail in these responsibilities can and should compensate their victims if their negligence causes an accident.
