LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – 2023 was the deadliest year on Lexington roads in more than a decade, according to data from Kentucky State Police.
In 2023, there were 52 fatal accidents, resulting in 52 deaths.
So far, the number of deaths in 2024 is trending downward.
“Last year was a year of fatal accidents,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins of the American Automobile Association. “We always strive for zero fatalities, and we're certainly closer to that goal than we were a year ago.”
KSP reports that this time last year, there were 33 fatal crashes resulting in 33 deaths. Data so far this year shows there have been 16 fatal crashes resulting in 19 deaths.
Lexington often sees a spike in fatal crashes in the late summer and early fall. KSP reports that six people have died in crashes in Lexington since Aug. 6.
The data has not been updated to reflect fatal crashes from Sunday morning. The Fayette County coroner said Mitzi Romo-Avila, 27, died from multiple blunt force trauma after striking a tree at the intersection of Yannarton Pike and Spur Road.
“We've seen some obviously subversive driving behaviors this year, but we probably aren't seeing as many fatalities due to inattention or carelessness as we were a year ago,” Weaver Hawkins said.
AAA's Weaver Hawkins says distracted and absent-minded driving fatalities are declining. Seat belt usage is also on the rise. According to the NHTSA, wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of death by 45%.
“The first thing we always tell people is that wherever you're going, everyone in your car should wear their seat belt at all times,” Weaver Hawkins said.
However, the data shows Lexington drivers struggle with other driving behaviors, including drinking while driving, speeding and driving too fast for conditions.
“Speeding above the posted speed limit is not an issue, and there are times when you may have to go below the posted speed limit due to temporary conditions such as weather, construction or other circumstances that require a slower speed,” Weaver-Hawkins said.
To check out Kentucky State Police crash data for Lexington and other Kentucky cities, click here.
According to Kentucky State Police, Lexington's fatal crash data since 2011 is as follows:
2011 – 31 accidents – 33 fatalities
2012 – 25 accidents – 25 fatalities
2013 – 17 accidents – 18 fatalities
2014 – 27 accidents – 28 fatalities
2015 – 24 accidents – 27 fatalities
2016 – 48 accidents – 50 deaths
2017 – 34 accidents – 35 fatalities
2018 – 31 accidents – 33 fatalities
2019 – 25 accidents – 33 fatalities
2020 – 26 accidents – 27 deaths
2021 – 36 accidents – 42 fatalities
2022 – 35 accidents – 38 deaths
2023 – 52 accidents – 52 deaths
2024 – 16 accidents – 19 deaths
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