A new report released from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety and Kentucky State Police shows Russell County saw an increase in highway fatalities from auto collisions last year.
Five deaths were reported on Russell County highways in 2023, compared to 2 in 2022 and 3 in 2021.
Looking at neighboring counties, 3 highway deaths were reported in Adair County last year, 4 in Casey County, 5 in Clinton County, 2 in Cumberland County, 6 in Wayne County and 17 in Pulaski County.
Across the state, 813 fatalities were reported. That’s the most since 2016, according to transportation officials.
The study shows almost half of those were not wearing a seat belt and 16 percent involved alcohol. State Police and the Office of Highway Safety are reminding everyone about the importance of wearing a seat belt, and the dangers of drinking and driving.
