Drunk driving is a major issue in Kentucky. One of the primary issues with drunk driving is that innocent people can be injured or killed in crashes caused by a person who has chosen to drive while they are impaired.
These crashes account for many of the state’s fatalities. Kentucky is ranked 21st out of all states based on the percentage of fatalities caused by drunk driving. That, coupled with a recent increase in drunk driving fatalities, highlights the reality of this high-stakes problem.
The impact of drunk driving in Kentucky
There were 762 traffic fatalities in 2022 across the state. Of these crashes, 153 were caused by drivers who were impaired by alcohol. By percentage, more than 20% of traffic deaths had at least one drunk driver involved. The state has seen a 12.4% increase in drunk driving fatalities since 2012.
Besides these fatalities, it’s also necessary to consider the injuries that occur because of these drunk driving crashes. In 2022, there were hundreds of suspected injuries caused by collisions involving impairment. These included:
- 495 possible
- 303 serious
- 634 minor
Impaired driving caused by drugs is also a problem in Kentucky. In 2022, there were 82 fatal crashes resulting in 94 total deaths that were attributed, at least in part, to drug-induced impairment. That was up from 78 fatal crashes resulting in 88 deaths in 2021.
Preventable driving hazard
Impaired driving is particularly problematic because it’s fully preventable. The victims who survive these crashes may require costly care necessary for long periods of time after. The family members left behind when a victim suffers a fatal injury will likely have to deal with financial difficulties while they’re dealing with emotional turmoil. Whether the crash is fatal or not, a legal claim in the wake of an injurious drunk driving crash is usually possible.
Seeking compensation after a drunk driving crash is a way to recover the financial damages caused by the wreck. These cases can be complex, so it’s best to work with a legal representative as proactively as possible.