Department of Highways, District 6
US 25 Safety Blitz Concludes

US 25 Drive Smart Blitz Results

 Local Law Enforcement Issue 164 Citations

Covington, Kentucky – (July 28, 2005) - A public awareness campaign designed to save lives rolls along a busy highway in Northern Kentucky!  The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, in conjunction with the Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD), Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement and local law enforcement held a “Drive Smart Enforcement Blitz” along the 47 mile US 25 corridor in Grant, Boone and Kenton Counties between July 18-25^th.  The blitz reminded drivers of their responsibilities when they get behind the wheel. 

“The purpose, plain and simple is to save people’s lives and reduce fatalities on Kentucky highways,” said Dan Barnett, Drive Smart Coordinator. “To date there have been 505 fatalities.  We want everyone to make it home to their families each night.”

The Drive Smart Enforcement Blitz focused on reducing the contributing factors involved in vehicle crashes, such as speeding, improper passing, aggressive and reckless driving and other traffic violations.   Violations relating to non-use of safety belts, children not in safety seats and expired or no liability insurance as well as equipment violations were strictly enforced.

So far this year there have been 3 fatalities on the 47 mile section of US 25 that runs from the Scott and Grant County line to Kenton County.

 Out of the 505 deaths that have been recorded to date, 286 of those people didn’t use a seatbelt.  A study done in 2004 found out that the seatbelt usage rates for the following counties along the US 25 Corridor were as follows:

Grant           71.8%

Boone          61.8%

Kenton         75.4%

During the week of July 18-25^th law enforcement issued 68 speeding citations, 4 DUI arrests, 9 seatbelt citations, 2 child restraint citations, 5 suspended operators’ license citations, 13 motorists were ticketed for not having insurance,  3 had warrants and 57 were classified in “Other” which can include equipment violations, etc.   During the week there were 5 car crashes. 

Unfortunately someone must have not appreciated the Enforcement Blitz.  One of the Drive Smart visual speed radar units was vandalized.  These units are placed along the corridor to help motorist to be aware of their speed and to comply with the posted speed limit. 

Over the past three years (2002-2004) there have been 2,865 collisions, 883 injuries and 8 fatalities along the US 25 Corridor of Grant, Boone and Kenton Counties.  We want those numbers to decrease.  By having the Drive Smart Enforcement Blitz’s along these corridors that seem to have more than their share of accidents, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s goal is to educate and remind drivers to buckle up, comply with all traffic laws and Drive Smart Kentucky.  Their life and others depend on it.