According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association in the last five years during the Thanksgiving holiday, 750 people died in drunk driving crashes. In Kentucky, the four-day Thanksgiving holiday travel period accounted for 1,971 collisions with nine fatalities in 2018.
The Kentucky State Police are hoping to decrease that number in the Commonwealth.
KSP Post 16 spokesman Trooper Corey King said Thanksgiving holiday travel is one of our busiest yet deadliest travel times of the year.
“We anticipate the increase; however, we want to share information with fellow motorists on what best practices they can do behind the wheel to help everyone get home safely,” King said.
King said the most obvious reminder is to not drive impaired.
“If you plan on celebrating with alcoholic beverages, make advance preparations for a designated driver or Uber/Lyft or taxi,” he said. “Ensure all persons are utilizing seat belts, monitor your speed and remember to leave plenty following distance.”
KSP is also partnering with the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) to support the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) “Make It to the Table: Don’t Drink and Drive” Thanksgiving enforcement effort.
Federal grant funds, provided through KOHS, will allow KSP to utilize more troopers and officers on Kentucky highways during peak travel times. The NHTSA campaign coincides with Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), a national enforcement effort, scheduled to take place during the four-day holiday driving season beginning Nov. 27 – Dec. 1.
These joint efforts across the country encourage drivers to buckle up and refrain from impaired driving.
Other safe driving tips:
Anticipate much heavier traffic flow. Odds are, we will experience an increase in vehicle wrecks so adjust your time as needed.
With more and more people sharing the road, there is the possibility of dealing with a road raged driver. Do not engage. There is no room on our highways for this behavior.
Fatigued driving is likely underreported and underestimated. If you find yourself feeling sleepy or dozing off…pull over onto the emergency lane or exit ramp and take a 30-60 second brisk walk around your vehicle. Drink caffeine or munch on an apple to help you find your second wind. If you have a licensed passenger, let them take over if practical but if you still feel sleepy, take a power nap or find a hotel.
King said if you suspect an intoxicated driver or spot dangerous driving mannerisms, contact KSP at 800-222-5555 when you can safely do so.
