Local traffic deaths trend lower as Kentucky rises

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) — Traffic fatalities across Kentucky are rising this year, but preliminary numbers from Kentucky State Police Post 3 show a different trend in South Central Kentucky. Post 3, which serves Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Simpson and Warren counties, has recorded 23 highway fatalities this year, compared with 29 by early August last year.

Trooper presence may be making a difference

Katan Parker with Kentucky State Police said troopers are focused on keeping those numbers down through proactive enforcement and a visible presence on area roads.

“If you see a state trooper, you see brake lights come on, people start hitting the brakes and stuff like that,” Parker said.

He said simply having troopers where drivers can see them can influence behavior behind the wheel. Parker also pointed to enforcement efforts that focus at different times on issues such as speeding and seat belt use.

While the lower local numbers are encouraging, Parker cautioned against drawing conclusions too early.

“It might be too early. But at the same time, nothing happens overnight, you know? So like a little progress is great,” he said.

Speed remains a concern

Even with fewer fatalities so far, Parker said troopers continue to see dangerous driving behavior across the region.

“Mostly speed and, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs that we’re seeing a whole lot of that,” Parker said.

Interstate 65 remains one of KSP’s concerns. Parker said troopers continue to see significant speeding there, along with congestion that can contribute to collisions.

He also warned that drivers can become too comfortable on the interstate.

“People are going on the interstate and feeling real free and getting very comfortable out there, not realizing that, hey, you know, comfortability can be a problem,” Parker said.

Parker said speed is also a common factor in pursuits and can ultimately lead to crashes.

“We were seeing a whole lot of speed and stuff like that. It starts with speed, and sometimes it ends in a collision. So yeah, speed is a big thing,” he said.

KSP hopes progress continues

For Parker, the lower fatality count is a positive sign, but the goal is keeping it moving in the same direction.

“That we’re seeing progress. And the, the lower those numbers are, the safer our community is,” Parker said. “So if everybody would just continue to practice safe drive and take this, it’d be great.”

KSP says continued safe driving and enforcement will be important as troopers work to keep fatalities down across the Post 3 region.