The number of traffic-related fatalities continues to decrease in Kentucky, with the current year pacing at the lowest number reported since the 1940s.

By mid-December, fewer than 600 traffic-related deaths had been reported in the state, according to the Kentucky State Police. During the same period in 2012 and 2011, there were 746 and 713 road fatalities, respectively. When 2010 and 2009 figures are taken into account—754 and 777 deaths—an overall declining trend becomes evident.

So why are roads a bit safer these days in the Bluegrass state? Some sources largely attribute the decline in traffic-related fatalities to more stringent seatbelt laws and enforcement. One notable development on this front came in 2006, with the passage of mandatory seat belt requirements.

According to KRS 189.125(6), a “person shall not operate a motor vehicle manufactured after 1981 on the public roadways of [Kentucky] unless the driver and all passengers are wearing a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt.”The law further outlines child restraints, the details of which can be found here. eatbelt requirements.

Although the ultimate goal would be to eradicate road deaths altogether, this news from the Bluegrass state is welcome following a comparatively depressing report issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in November. The NHTSA findings pointed to an increase in U.S. motor vehicle crashes and fatalities in 2012 after 6 consecutive years of declines. That year, the nation lost 33,561 people in crashes on roadways, compared to 32,479 in 2011. This represented the first increase in such deaths since 2005, when there were 43,105 U.S. road fatalities.

The uptick in crashes, and the resulting fatalities and injuries, can be seen across many crash characteristics, including vehicle type, contributing factors, including alcohol impairment, and location of crash. The NHTSA adds the increase does not seem to be“associated with any one particular issue.

There was one traffic-related death reported on Dec. 25th this year, according to the Kentucky State Police's website.

Special Reports /

Kentucky Road Fatalities Lowest Since 1940s

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