EASTERN KY DRIVING DANGERSWhy Parents in Appalachia Have Reason to Worry

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We Spend Our Lives Protecting Children…

And then they get their driver’s license and a whole new world of dangers becomes more real.

Unfortunately, there are specific hazards in Eastern Kentucky that place teenagers at higher risk.

As a parent, you can help share this information with other parents and educate the youth in Pike County and Eastern KY.

Understanding the Scope of the Problem

It’s a Really Big Deal…

Vehicle Accidents are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds in Kentucky, according to the Dept of Transportation

Eastern Kentucky Driving Dangers: Why Parents in Appalachia Have Reason to Worry

Eastern KY Roadway Hazards• More Accident Fatalities occur on

Kentucky’s Rural Roads than Urban Streets. [source]

• More accidents occur on County roads and State routes than on Interstates, City Streets and US Routes combined.

• County roads are poorly maintained due to low tax revenues. Pike County has historically had one of the highest tax delinquency rates in Kentucky. [source]

Vehicle Accidents: The Leading Cause of Death for 15-20 Year Olds.

Then There’s This…Not only are you worried about your child’s driving capabilities and the road conditions in Eastern KY, but then you’ve got to worry about Other Vehicles & Drivers.

Eastern Kentucky Driving Dangers: Why Parents in Appalachia Have Reason to Worry

Other Vehicles in Eastern KY• According to a KY Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officer

tractor trailer traffic is up in Kentucky. This could partially explain the 43% increase in semi-truck accidents in recent years. [source]

• Eastern KY has a unique volume of other heavy haulers including coal trucks. Traffic fatality rates are twice as high on coal-hauling roads. [source]

• Motorcyclists come from near and far to enjoy our mountains – but they can be difficult to see, particularly for inexperienced drivers. This combo places both driver and biker at risk.

- 40% of all motorcycle accidents in Kentucky were caused by the other driver turning into the path of the motorcyclist. [source]

Eastern Kentucky Driving Dangers: Why Parents in Appalachia Have Reason to Worry

Other Drivers in Eastern KY• Distracted Drivers: According to KY State

Police driver inattention was the NUMBER 1 human factor in car accidents. http://www.billyjohnsonlaw.com/vehicle-accidents/distracted-driving/

• Drugged / Drunk Drivers: A report released by the University of Kentucky Center on Drug & Alcohol Research in 2014 confirmed that 23.3% of DUI’s in Kentucky were drug-involved DUI’s.

• Pike County, KY has ~1,000 DUI traffic citations filed each year. [source]

Eastern Kentucky Driving Dangers: Why Parents in Appalachia Have Reason to Worry

Other Drivers in Eastern KY, continued…

• Angry Drivers: Over 50% of Fatal Accidents Involve “Aggressive Driving”http://www.billyjohnsonlaw.com/aggressive-driving/

• Accident Fraudsters intentionally instigate auto wrecks as part of “Crash for Cash” schemes. A KY City Ranks in the Top 10 nationally for suspicious vehicle accident claims. http://www.billyjohnsonlaw.com/auto-wreck-rings/

• Fatigued Truck Drivers: 30% of Fatal Truck Accidents Involved Driver Fatigue http://www.billyjohnsonlaw.com/vehicle-accidents/truck-driver-fatigue/

Gotten the Picture?

Eastern KY Presents Specific Risks to Drivers…

Whether the unique road conditions, the coal trucks, the community’s concerns about drunk and drugged driving – there are hazards to be aware of. Some additional contributing factors include…

Eastern Kentucky Driving Dangers: Why Parents in Appalachia Have Reason to Worry

Additional Concerns• Lack of access to public transport options increase the total

volume of drivers on the road, necessitate driving for the elderly and disabled, and provide fewer mobility options for younger drivers.

Rural counties in Kentucky have fewer public transportation services and, when available, have limited hours of service. [source]

• Age of Vehicles: Older vehicles lack the newer safety features available in newer models. The average age of a vehicle on the road is now at a record 11.5 years. [source]

Eastern Kentucky Driving Dangers: Why Parents in Appalachia Have Reason to Worry

Other Drivers in Eastern KY, continued…

Seat Belt Use• Pike County had the second lowest rate of seat belt use in

Kentucky [source]

• Seat Belt use decreased in 2014: 74% of drivers in Pike County use a seatbelt; 65% of front-seat passengers use them.

• Only 57% of Pick-up Truck Drivers in Pike County used seat belts.

• Child Safety Seats: Older children may pick-up younger siblings from school or day-care and should know that 90% of children serious injured in a crash were not restrained in a safety seat. [source]

Stay Aware. Stay Safe.BillyJohnsonLaw.com – Your Pikeville KY Accident LawyerConnect With Us:https://www.facebook.com/kyinjurylawyerhttps://www.google.com/+JohnsonLawFirmPikeville