Abstract

This report documents analysis of traffic crash data in Kentucky. A primary objective of this study was to determine average crash statistics for Kentucky highways. Where used, rates were calculated for various highway types and for counties and cities. Difference criteria were used for exposure. Average and critical numbers, SPFs, and crash rates were calculated for various highway types in rural and urban areas. These metrics rely on crashes identified on highways where Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) volumes were available. Data in this report may be used to help identify problem areas. The other primary objective of this study was to provide benchmark data that can be used to prepare the problem identification portion of Kentucky’s Annual Highway Safety Plan (HSP). Crash statistics were analyzed and a summary of results and recommendations in several problem identification areas is presented. These general areas include alcohol involvement, occupant protection, speed, teenage drivers, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, trucks, and vehicle defects. Other areas covered in the analysis for which specific recommendations were not made include school bus crashes and train crashes. Crash data are stored in the Collision Report Analysis for Safer Highways (CRASH) database. This database is updated daily, so the number of crashes in a given calendar year continues to change for a substantial time after the end of that year. KTC captures an extract annually for analysis. Since 1978, annual reports have been prepared to document statewide crash rates. Traffic crash data for a five-year period were used to prepare this report. Kentucky has a systematic procedure to identify locations that have had abnormal rates or numbers of traffic crashes. However, before that procedure may be utilized, average crash rates and numbers must be determined for appropriate highway categories and for rural and urban areas. Those statistics may then be used in the high-crash location identification program to identify locations that should be investigated to determine whether changes should be made. A highway safety program is prepared each year for Kentucky in order to comply with 23 U.S. Code § 402. This program includes identifying, programming, budgeting, and evaluating safety projects with the objective of reducing the number and severity of traffic crashes.

Report Date

9-2023

Report Number

KTC-24-08

Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.13023/ktc.rr.2024.08

Notes

Analysis of Traffic Crash Data in Kentucky 2018-2022 In cooperation with:

Kentucky State Police

The Commonwealth of Kentucky

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Planning

Please direct inquires to: Criminal Identification and Records Branch Kentucky State Police 1266 Louisville Road Frankfort, Kentucky 40601

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