An overwhelming 61 percent of vehicle occupants killed in Kentucky automobile accidents in 2015 were not wearing seatbelts; half could have been saved if they were wearing their seatbelts.
The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) and law enforcement agencies throughout the state have joined the national Click It or Ticket campaign, running through June 5th. Officers aim to improve seatbelt usage and enforce seatbelt laws during this featured enforcement period.
In 2015, six accident fatalities took place across the state over Memorial Day weekend; none of the victims were wearing seatbelts. Safety officials are reminding Kentucky travelers that law enforcement officers will be strongly enforcing seatbelt laws over the holiday in efforts to keep all motorists safe.
While the overall seatbelt usage rate across the state sits at 87.6 percent, it appears to vary by vehicle type – SUV usage rate is 89.2 percent, 88.3 percent for vans, but only 79 percent for pickup trucks. KOHS aims to improve seatbelt usage among pickup truck drivers and occupants through targeted messaging.
Officials feel that these statistics indicate Kentucky motorists either aren’t aware of the danger posed by riding without a seatbelt, or don’t take the laws seriously.
Some motorists don’t think enforcement patrols happen at night, but officers will be conducting strict enforcement efforts overnight in order to reduce the staggering number of nighttime accident fatalities involving lack of seatbelt use; last year, 75 percent of passengers who died in an overnight accident were not wearing their seatbelt. Research indicates there is a higher risk of involvement in nighttime accidents versus daytime, yet seatbelt usage is lower during the overnight hours.
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. The experienced Covington car accident lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy will fight to maximize your compensation and hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they have caused you. Our personal injury lawyers in Covington charge no upfront fees if we take on your case.