Transportation Cabinet releases preliminary 2019 highway fatality count

Fatalities up 10 compared to 2018

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 10, 2020) – Highway fatalities in Kentucky increased last year according to preliminary numbers from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS). Initial data indicates there were 734 fatalities in 2019, compared to 724 in 2018.

“A single death is one too many,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “And our 2020 Recommended Highway Plan is our commitment to improving highway safety. Through this plan Governor Beshear calls for a historic $100 million investment in the Highway Safety Improvement Program and an aggressive move to install more than 100 miles of life-saving guardrail across the Commonwealth.”

The fatality figures will remain preliminary until all highway crash data is collected. A final report will be released in April.

So far in 2020, preliminary numbers indicate there have been 56 roadway fatalities, down 17 compared to the same time last year.

While pleased with the current downward trend, KOHS Acting Director Jason Siwula says the KOHS is increasing efforts to encourage safe driving habits through localized media campaigns and partnerships, like Buckle Up Phone Down, law enforcement blitzes, and free-ride sharing promotions during the holidays.

“We must give credit to the drivers who chose to practice safe driving behaviors,” said Siwula. “We pledge to do our part, but it will take everyone – all citizens of Kentucky – to reach our goal of zero deaths on our roadways.”

Kentucky’s history of highway fatalities:
2000  823
2001  843
2002  915
2003  931
2004  964
2005  985
2006  913
2007  864
2008  826
2009  791
2010  760
2011  721
2012  746
2013  638
2014  672
2015  761
2016  834
2017  782
2018  724
2019  734 (preliminary)