More than 800 people died on Kentucky roadways last year, highest total since 2016

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- More Kentuckians died in highway crashes in 2023 than previous years.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reported 813 deaths in 2023. That's an increase from 744 in 2022 and the highest reported total since 2016. According to a news release, half of the people who died last year weren't wearing seatbelts.

"Any life lost on a Kentucky road is one too many, especially those that could have been prevented," Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release. "We can all commit to buckling up, staying aware and driving sober and distraction-free, and Team Kentucky is committed to continuing to build safer bridges and roadways so we can reach our goal of zero traffic deaths."

Kentucky Fatality report 2024 — (*Graphic courtesy of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet*)

Kentucky highway fatalities:

2016 - 834
2017 - 782
2018 - 724
2019 - 732
2020 - 780
2021 - 806
2022 - 744
2023 - 813

Kentucky State Police said 16% of the deaths involved alcohol, while 33% involved speeding or aggressive drivers and 20% involved distracted drivers. Pedestrians and bicyclists also accounted for 137 deaths and 105 motorcyclists were killed.

"We’re asking motorists and passengers to commit to safe driving behaviors when behind the wheel, such as buckling up, putting the phone down, obeying the speed limit and driving sober," KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said in a news release.  "This helps keep our roadways safe, not only for those in vehicles, but for all road users, such as pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists."

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said wearing a seat belt gives motorists the best chance of preventing injury or death in crashes.

KYTC reports 170 roadway deaths so far this year, which is a 13.7% decrease compared to last year.

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