If we want safer roads in Kentucky, it’s important that local drivers get regular reminders of the toll careless driving can take each year.
Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, commissioned a study of the most recent car accident statistics available. It’s a visual representation of the consequences when Kentucky drivers don’t pay attention to the road and don’t avoid reckless behavior. We hope these discouraging statistics will encourage drivers to make changes in their habits that can lead to fewer collisions on our highways in 2024 and beyond.
How Many Car Accidents Occur in Kentucky?
There were an astounding 130,042 car accidents documented in Kentucky in 2022. That’s according to the Kentucky State Police’s annual Kentucky Traffic Collision Facts report. The KSP’s report also uncovered that 1 in 22 Kentucky drivers were involved in a traffic collision in 2022.
The total number of accidents took a dip in the pandemic year of 2020 but has rebounded since then. Thankfully, they’ve mostly stayed well below pre-pandemic accident rates. The 2022 rate was down about 2% from the previous year. It’s still way too many people put at risk of broken bones, head trauma, and even the loss of life.
How Many People Are Killed In Kentucky Car Accidents Each Year?
In the worst incidents seen on our roads, people can suffer life-threatening injuries. The number of fatal accidents fell by 5% in 2022 when compared to 2021 numbers. That’s little comfort to the families who lost loved ones to the mistakes of careless drivers.744 people were killed in fatal traffic collisions on Kentucky roadways in 2022. Of these deaths, 265 were due to drivers under the influence of drugs and 153 were due to drivers under the influence of alcohol.
In 2024, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety released the very latest data for 2023. They detailed how there were 813 tragic deaths in 2023 on Kentucky roadways. That’s the most fatalities since 2016.
Here’s a look at the injuries and fatalities caused by traffic accidents recorded in Kentucky over the past few years:
How Many Accidents Occur on Kentucky’s Interstates?
There were over 12,000 collisions reported on Kentucky interstates in 2022, leading to at least 76 tragic deaths.
I-75, running north/south through Lexington, recorded the most accidents (3,761) of any interstate in the state. I-65 running south from Louisville was the scene of the second most accidents on a Kentucky interstate with almost 2,400 crashes.
According to the Kentucky State Police, I-64, running east/west through Louisville and Lexington, recorded fewer accidents but around as many tragic deaths at the other two most traveled interstates.
How Does Kentucky’s Fatal Accident Rates Compare with Other States?
The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) found that Kentucky ranked 21st among the 50 states for fatalities in 2022. That’s near the middle of the pack and far below Texas at the top of the heartbreaking list with almost 4,500 documented deaths. (note that fatality statistics from the State of Kentucky and the NHTSA differ for the year)
In a bit of good news, WKYT-TV reported in 2023 that Kentucky was one of the states with the fewest fatal accidents caused by speeding drivers. Statistics from the NHTSA showed that Kentucky had the third lowest rate for these types of accidents in the entire nation. Kentucky was only behind Hawaii and Idaho on that list.
Working Towards a Safer Year on Kentucky Roads
We hope that by highlighting the dangers that Kentucky motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists face, some important safety goals can be a reality. When drivers commit to putting down their cellphones, slow down, and focus on the roads, accident rates will drop and more people will make it home safely.
When you or a loved one are the victims of a careless motorist anywhere in Kentucky, it’s important that you are aware of your rights and the benefits available to you and your family. You can visit our informational page about what to do if you’re in a Kentucky accident here.
