Kentucky to Post Motorist Death Toll on Highways

Motorists in Kentucky will soon see a grim reminder about highway deaths.

The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety will start posting highway fatality totals on more than 50 electronic message boards on interstates and parkways.

Starting next Tuesday, the agency says the fatality totals will be posted along with other highway safety messages. Emergency messages such as road closures and Amber Alerts will take priority.

Roadway fatalities in Kentucky have declined for three years in a row. But the agency says that as of Oct. 6, the statewide total for the year was 599, two more than on the same date a year ago.

Acting Transportation Cabinet Secretary Mike Hancock says more than half those killed were not wearing seat belts, and 22 percent of deaths involved alcohol.

Latest Comments

• October 12, 2009 at 10:24 am

  Ratemaker says:

  Not to sound heartless, but -- if they can't afford the registration, how could they afford the vehicle?
• October 11, 2009 at 4:59 am

  anon the mouse says:

  Are you referring to the increased number of fatalities that have higher blood alcohol content as an excuse for lower taxes? Seems if the taxes were lower they would have an e... read more
• October 9, 2009 at 12:38 pm

  Wildcat says:

  I wonder how many deaths could be avoided if residents could afford to license newer cars with better safety systems? Kentucky taxes the value of the vehicle at registration ... read more