(WKYT) — Kentucky drivers are on track to see one of the lowest numbers of fatal crashes in recent years.
If current numbers hold through New Year’s Day, deaths on Kentucky roads will be at their lowest in years, according to data from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
Fatal crash numbers show significant decline
So far this year, Kentucky has recorded 655 fatal crashes. That number is down from 702 fatal crashes in 2024.
The 2025 total is more than 300 fewer than the peak year of 2005, which saw 985 deaths on Kentucky roads. The year with the fewest fatal crashes in the 50-year span from 1975 to present was 2013, with 638 deaths.
Safety factors in deadly crashes
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet data shows seatbelts were not in use in 210 of the fatal crashes this year, representing nearly 49% of cases where restraint use was known. Seatbelts were in use in 204 fatalities.
Alcohol was involved in 89 fatalities, or about 14% of the total deaths recorded through Dec. 28.
Age demographics show more than 100 victims were between the ages of 35 and 44, while exactly 100 victims were between the ages of 55 and 64.
Seatbelt use, alcohol remain factors in deadly crashes
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, seatbelts were not in use in 49% of the deadly crashes in 2025. Alcohol was involved in 14% of fatal wrecks this year.
More than 100 victims were between the ages of 35 and 44. Exactly 100 victims were between the ages of 55 and 64.
State police could evaluate other factors including the location of deadly crashes, the type of road, and the time of day to help identify trends that could bring the numbers down further next year.