There were 672 deaths on Kentucky roads last year, Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) officials said Monday as they revealed highway fatality statistics for 2014.
There were 34 more deaths last year than in 2013, which holds the record for fewest fatalities in Kentucky.
Kentucky leaders have stated that the state has made a priority of reducing serious injuries and saving lives on the highways.
“We are saddened by the fatality increase, and we firmly believe that one fatality is too many,” Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock said. Hancock is the designated representative for highway safety in Kentucky. “The Governor’s Executive Committee on Highway Safety is committed to providing direction on traffic safety issues as we move ‘Toward Zero Deaths’ on Kentucky’s roadways.”
“Toward Zero Deaths” is Kentucky’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan.
“Even though our fatalities increased this year, we did see a 2.6 percent decrease in alcohol-related fatalities,” KOHS Executive Director Bill Bell said. “We believe this number will continue to decrease as judges begin ordering the installation of ignition interlock devices.”
