LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Kentucky State Police data shows 2023 was the deadliest year on Lexington roads in over a decade.

In 2023, there were 52 fatal traffic accidents in which 52 people died.

So far, there has been a downward trend in the number of deaths in 2024.

“Last year was a very, very bad year in terms of fatalities,” said Lori Weaver-Hawkins of the American Auto Association. “We always try to achieve zero fatalities, but we are definitely closer to that goal than we were a year ago.”

According to KSP, at this time last year there were 33 fatal accidents in which 33 people died. So far this year there have been 16 fatal accidents in which 19 people died, according to the data.

Lexington typically sees a spike in fatal crashes at the end of summer and early fall. Since August 6, six people have died in crashes in Lexington, according to KSP.

These data have not been updated to account for a fatal crash that occurred Sunday morning. The Fayette County coroner said Mitzy Romo-Avila, 27, died of multiple blunt force injuries after she struck a tree at the intersection of Yarnallton Pike and Spurr Road.

“There are some obvious driving behaviors that we don’t seem to be seeing quite as much this year. There may not be quite as many fatal accidents due to distraction and inattentiveness behind the wheel as there were a year ago,” Weaver-Hawkins said.

According to AAA’s Weaver-Hawkins, there are fewer fatal accidents due to distraction or inattentiveness behind the wheel. Seat belt use is also increasing. According to the NHTSA, buckling up can reduce the risk of death by 45%.

“The first thing we always tell people is to always buckle up, no matter where you’re going, everyone in the car,” Weaver-Hawkins said.

However, data shows that Lexington drivers struggle with other driving behaviors, such as drunk driving, speeding, and speeding.

“It’s not just about exceeding the posted speed limit, but sometimes you have to stay below it due to weather, construction or other conditions just because temporary circumstances require a lower speed,” Weaver-Hawkins said.

Click here to view Kentucky State Police accident data for Lexington and other Kentucky cities.

According to Kentucky State Police, fatal accident data in Lexington since 2011 includes:

2011 – 31 accidents – 33 deaths

2012 – 25 accidents – 25 deaths

2013 – 17 accidents – 18 deaths

2014 – 27 accidents – 28 deaths

2015 – 24 accidents – 27 deaths

2016 – 48 accidents – 50 deaths

2017 – 34 accidents – 35 deaths

2018 – 31 accidents – 33 deaths

2019 – 25 accidents – 33 deaths

2020 – 26 accidents – 27 deaths

2021 – 36 accidents – 42 deaths

2022 – 35 accidents – 38 deaths

2023 – 52 accidents – 52 deaths

2024 – 16 accidents – 19 deaths

All rights reserved.