Analysis of Traffic Crash Data in Kentucky (1997-2001)

This report documents an analysis of traffic crash data in Kentucky for the years of 1997 thro ugh 2001. A primary objective of this study was to determine average crash statistics for Kentucky highways. Average and critical numbers and rates of crashes were calculated for various types of highways in rural and urban areas. These data can be used in Kentucky’s procedure to identify locations that have abnormal rates or numbers of crashes. The other primary objective of this study was to provide data, which can be used in the preparation of the problem identification portion of Kentucky’s Annual Highway Safety Plan. County and city crash statistics were analyzed. A summary of results and recommendations in several problem identification areas is presented. These general areas include alcohol involvement, occupant protection, speed, teenage driv ers, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, trucks, and vehicle defects. Other areas included in the analysis for which specific recommendations were not made include drug involvement, school bus crashes, and train crashes. The police report was changed s tarting in January 2000. Some of the codes were changed from previous years, which may result in changes in some of the data. Also, the crash data are now contained in the Collision Report Analysis for Safer Highways (CRASH) database. This data base is updated daily so the number of crashes in a given calendar year will continue to change for a substantial time after the end of that year.