Kentucky joins nationwide 'Drive Sober' campaign from August 13 to September 1, prior to the Labor Day holiday.
As the Labor Day weekend approaches, Kentucky officials are reminding residents to prioritize safety on the roads. Last year, during the same holiday weekend, there were 76 crashes involving impaired drivers, resulting in 44 injuries and one fatality [1].
These statistics are part of a larger trend in Kentucky, where impaired driving continues to pose a significant safety challenge. In 2024, the state experienced a total of 4,260 crashes involving impaired drivers, causing 2,062 injuries and 185 fatalities. Motorcycle incidents involving alcohol accounted for 45 crashes, 41 injuries, and 6 deaths [1].
The DUI fatality rate in Kentucky is approximately 4.2 deaths per 100,000 residents, with impaired driving fatalities representing 24% of all car crash fatalities [2][3]. In recent years, Kentucky has seen an increase in DUI fatalities, with a concerning rise especially among younger age groups.
Governor Andy Beshear and Kentucky Transport Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Jim Gray are urging Kentuckians to plan for a sober, designated driver during Labor Day celebrations if alcohol is involved. Gray emphasizes that alcohol, drugs, and even prescription medications can impair driving ability.
To further combat impaired driving, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is participating in the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign from Aug. 13 to Sept. 1. The KOHS recommends the following tips to stay safe: not using a vehicle while impaired, planning a safe way home before the festivities begin, and using a ride-booking company, taxi, sober friend, family member, or public transportation if impaired.
If you witness an impaired driver, safely pull over and contact law enforcement. You can reach the Kentucky State Police toll-free line at 1-800-222-5555 or dial 911. When reporting an impaired driver, provide a vehicle description, license number, location, and direction of travel.
Wearing a seat belt is mandatory and provides the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death in the event of a crash.
Impaired driving poses a threat to everyone on the road, and Governor Beshear urges everyone to take responsibility and make safe choices this Labor Day weekend. If you or someone you know needs help arranging safe transportation, don't hesitate to take keys from them and help them make arrangements.
Together, we can help reduce the number of preventable crashes and fatalities on Kentucky's roads this Labor Day weekend.
- Kentucky's focus on health-and-wellness extends to road safety, as officials urge residents to prioritize fitness-and-exercise by designating a sober driver during Labor Day celebrations, especially considering the significant impact of impaired driving on transportation safety.
- The increase in DUI fatalities in Kentucky, particularly among younger age groups, highlights the importance of nutrition in overall well-being, as poor dietary choices can potentially lead to substance abuse, which in turn affects driving ability.
- To promote science-based decisions, it's vital for Kentucky residents to understand that not just alcohol but also drugs and even prescribed medications can impair their ability to operate vehicles safely, making them potentially hazardous drivers on the roads.
