Auto Accident Deaths: A Deadly 4th of July Weekend in Kentucky
According to reports, eight people died in eight separate crashes on Kentucky roadways during the four-day July 4th Holiday weekend.
Four of the deaths involved motor vehicles or cars and none of those victims were allegedly wearing seat belts. The car wrecks happened in Bullitt, Clark, Davies and Mercer counties. Alcohol was involved in two of the deadly wrecks.
Three motorcyclists died this weekend. Two of the victims were not wearing helmets. The motorcycle crashes occurred in Clark, Garrard and Whitley counties.
Additionally, one pedestrian was killed in Hopkins County. Alcohol use was allegedly a factor in that incident.
Through July 5th, preliminary statistics indicate that 387 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2009. This is 3 less deaths than reported for the same time period in 2008. There were 324 motor vehicle fatalities and 180 of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Eighteen pedestrians have been killed. Thirty-nine fatalities involved a motorcycle and five fatalities involved an ATV. A total of 88 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.
Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.
*These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.
Bahe Cook Cantley & Jones wrongful death attorney Larry Jones says, "It is tragic that so many people have been injured or killed on Kentucky's highways. The best way to mitigate the problems on the road is to slow down --and wear seatbelts."
For more information about the rights of those injured or killed in car accidents, visit http://www.kentuckyinjurylaw.com/
