Monday, February 16, 2009
Kentucky Highway Fatalities Slightly Down From 2008.
FRANKFORT, KY) – Preliminary statistics* indicate that nine people died in nine separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, February 9 through Sunday, February 15, 2009.
Eight of the crashes involved motor vehicles and six of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Single-vehicle crashes occurred in Bourbon, Hancock, Harlan, Jefferson, Kenton, Larue, Logan and Washington counties. Two of these crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol.
One motorcycle crash occurred in Madison county and the victim was not wearing a helmet. The crash occurred on O' Possum Kingdom Road in Berea. At approximately 2:15 p.m., a motorcycle being operated by Bruce Mounce, age 56 of Paint Lick, approached a sharp curve while traveling northbound. At the same time, a Pike Electric Company vehicle being operated by Tony Bowling, age 44 of Booneville, was approaching the same curve. Mr. Mounce apparently lost control of his motorcycle and was ejected from it. The motorcycle struck the side of the truck, and Mr. Mounce was then pinned under the left front tire of the truck. The operator of the truck attempted to avoid the collision by steering his vehicle into the ditch line.
Through February 15, preliminary statistics* indicate that 78 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2009. This is seven fewer than reported for the same time period in 2008. Of the 73 motor vehicle fatalities, 40 victims were not wearing seat belts. Four pedestrian have been killed. One fatality involved a motorcycle. A total of nineteen fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.
Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.
*These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.
Eight of the crashes involved motor vehicles and six of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Single-vehicle crashes occurred in Bourbon, Hancock, Harlan, Jefferson, Kenton, Larue, Logan and Washington counties. Two of these crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol.
One motorcycle crash occurred in Madison county and the victim was not wearing a helmet. The crash occurred on O' Possum Kingdom Road in Berea. At approximately 2:15 p.m., a motorcycle being operated by Bruce Mounce, age 56 of Paint Lick, approached a sharp curve while traveling northbound. At the same time, a Pike Electric Company vehicle being operated by Tony Bowling, age 44 of Booneville, was approaching the same curve. Mr. Mounce apparently lost control of his motorcycle and was ejected from it. The motorcycle struck the side of the truck, and Mr. Mounce was then pinned under the left front tire of the truck. The operator of the truck attempted to avoid the collision by steering his vehicle into the ditch line.
Through February 15, preliminary statistics* indicate that 78 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2009. This is seven fewer than reported for the same time period in 2008. Of the 73 motor vehicle fatalities, 40 victims were not wearing seat belts. Four pedestrian have been killed. One fatality involved a motorcycle. A total of nineteen fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.
Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.
*These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 9:38 PM 
