SENATE TRANSPORTATION CHAIR REMINDS KENTUCKY DRIVERS OF TRAFFIC SAFETY STATISTICS AND LAWS AHEAD OF LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Sen. Jimmy Higdon publishes survey seeking Kentuckians' input
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 26, 2025) — With Labor Day weekend fast approaching, Senate Transportation Chair Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, is urging Kentuckians to prioritize safety on the roadways. A new survey from Munley Law ranks Kentucky as the 17th most dangerous state to drive in during Labor Day, one of the deadliest weekends of the year for traffic fatalities.
Higdon has also published a public survey to gather input from Kentuckians on current traffic safety laws. The survey can be accessed by clicking here.
“Labor Day should be a time to relax with family and friends, not one marked by tragedy,” said Higdon. “Unfortunately, we continue to see far too many crashes tied to impaired driving, speeding, and distraction. I ask everyone, please, do not drink and drive this weekend. Make plans to remain safely wherever you are, or have a designated driver.”
In 2023, 511 people were killed nationwide in car crashes during the Labor Day Weekend, over a third of those involved a drunk driver. With more cars on the road for vacations and celebrations, the risk of serious or fatal collisions increases significantly.
According to the recent analysis
Kentucky reported 15.56 traffic fatalities per 100,000 residents this year, ranking 39th nationwide,
DUI arrests stood at 286.59 per 100,000 residents,
fatal crashes involving drivers with a blood alcohol level above .08 totaled nearly 4 per 100,000, and
speed-related crashes accounted for 2.4 fatalities per 100,000 people, placing Kentucky 12th in the nation.
As of August 26, 397 people have died on Kentucky roadways, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety. That marks a drop in fatalities compared to the same point in each of the previous four years, with 472 deaths recorded by this time in 2024, and 516 in 2023.
Despite the decline, key safety concerns persist:
Nearly half of this year’s traffic fatalities involved unbelted occupants. Only 50.19 percent confirmed to be wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Drunk driving remains a deadly risk, as 57 fatalities (14.36 percent) involved alcohol.
Motorcyclists continue to face high risks, especially when riding without protection. In 59 fatal motorcycle accidents, 31 of those killed were not wearing helmets.
Pedestrian and cyclist deaths are also a concern, with 58 non-motorized fatalities reported so far in 2025.
The most at-risk age groups are drivers and passengers between 35 and 64 years old, who together account for the majority of this year’s traffic deaths.
Higdon urges all Kentuckians to stay vigilant behind the wheel, especially as they head into high-traffic holiday weekends, such as Labor Day.
He is also reminding drivers of key Kentucky traffic safety laws:
Texting while driving is illegal for all drivers.
Drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all while behind the wheel.
Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
Drivers must move over or slow down for any vehicle stopped with flashing lights—including emergency, tow, and maintenance vehicles.
Child safety seats and booster seats are required based on a child’s height and age.
Drunk and impaired driving laws are strictly enforced, and offenders face steep fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.
“We’ve got the laws on the books to keep people safe, but they only work if we follow them,” said Higdon. “Every driver has a role to play in protecting lives this holiday weekend. That means staying alert, driving sober, wearing your seat belt, and putting your phone down. As we look ahead, I’ll have more to say about how we can strengthen that shared responsibility.”
For more information on Kentucky traffic laws and driver safety, visit transportation.ky.gov.
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Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including LaRue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. Higdon serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, overseeing efforts to craft biennial road plans, advance Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure, and improve public safety. He also serves as Senate co-chair of the Public Pension Oversight Board, focusing on stabilizing and strengthening Kentucky’s pension systems through reform and surplus investment. Additionally, Higdon is a member of the Senate Committees on Education; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and Licensing and Occupations. During the 2024 interim, he served as a Kentucky Housing Task Force member.
Visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate114.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Higdon.