Kentucky ranks fifth in pedestrian deaths involving distracted drivers

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — As children head back to school, safety experts are reminding parents, students and drivers to take extra precautions around roads and school buses.

A new analysis of federal traffic safety data ranks Kentucky fifth in the nation for pedestrian fatalities involving distracted drivers.

The analysis, conducted by Wilk Law Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, found 77 pedestrians were killed in Kentucky crashes involving distracted drivers between 2020 and 2024.

Kentucky averaged 15.4 pedestrian deaths annually during that period, with a rate of 0.34 deaths per 100,000 residents.

The analysis found Kentucky’s highest annual total came in 2023, when 20 pedestrians were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers. That number dropped to 15 in 2024.

With children walking to school, waiting for buses and crossing streets, Kinzie Evrard, coordinator for injury prevention programming at Norton Children’s Hospital, says visibility is one of the biggest safety concerns.

“It’s just all about being seen,” Evrard said.

Evrard recommends children make eye contact with drivers when possible and never assume a driver sees them.

Parents can also help by practicing the route to school with younger children and identifying safe places to cross. Evrard said children younger than 10 may have difficulty judging how quickly a vehicle is approaching.

When crossing, children should use crosswalks and traffic signals when available, stop and look both ways and never try to beat an approaching vehicle.

Evrard also recommends children waiting for a school bus take five giant steps, or about 10 feet, back from the curb.

Drivers should also give school buses plenty of room. Evrard recommends drivers stop 20 feet behind a school bus and never attempt to beat a bus as its warning lights or stop sign are activated.

School buses also have several blind spots that create a potential danger zone for children. Evrard said that area extends about 30 feet in front of the bus, 10 feet on either side and 12 feet behind it.

Children should also avoid distractions while walking near traffic, including cellphones and headphones.

If a child drops something near or underneath a school bus, Evrard says they should not attempt to retrieve it. Instead, they should move away from the bus and get the driver’s attention from a safe location.

Evrard said even a short walk to school can present risks, but parents can help reduce those risks by teaching children safe walking practices and practicing their routes ahead of time.

For more pedestrian safety information, Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness provides resources for children and families.