FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky drivers should use extra caution on the road this week as the Kentucky State Police (KSP) announced a Thanksgiving “Click It or Ticket” initiative, stepping up highway patrols across the state.
What You Need To Know
- KSP encourages drivers to "click it or ticket" during Thanksgiving travel
- Highway patrols will be greatly increased Nov. 25-29
- Efforts target seatbelt usage, impaired driving, and commercial vehicle safety
- Kentucky has a 89.7% rate of seatbelt usage
There’s nothing better on Thanksgiving than coming home to a warm plate of turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans, but KSP wants to make sure all Kentuckians can make it home safely.
KSP Spokesman Sergeant Billy Gregory said the agency will take advantage of overtime funds to increase the amount of troopers and officers on Kentucky roadways.
“Oftentimes during the holidays, drivers are so focused on getting to their family gatherings that they tend to forget about traffic safety,” Gregory said. “Seeing our patrol cars out there on the roadways is a great reminder to buckle up and slow down.”
Kentuckians should be commended for wearing their seatbelts, as Gregory said the commonwealth has an 89.7% usage rate.
“While this is positive for our state, we have traditionally seen an increase in impaired driving during holiday festivities. If you plan to serve alcohol at your family gathering this year, we encourage people to plan ahead and arrange for sober rides home,” Gregory said.
Gov. Andy Beshear (D) echoed the KSP’s sentiments, stressing that he wants Kentuckians to be safe from not only COVID-19, but also on the roads.
“Please limit travel this year in general, but if you are driving, buckle up and watch your speed,” Beshear said. “I appreciate all of our law enforcement officers who may spend this holiday away from their own families in order to keep other Kentuckians safe.”
KSP’s “Click It or Ticket” campaign will coincide with Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), a nationwide effort that takes place Nov. 25-29.
According to the Kentucky Traffic Collision Facts Report, last year’s Thanksgiving travel period accounted for 1,253 collisions and four deaths.
“The best defense against an impaired driver is wearing a seatbelt,” Gregory said. “At the end of the day it’s not about writing tickets, it’s about you and your family members arriving home safely.”
Bryce Shreve is a digital producer with Spectrum News 1 KY. He is a recent graduate of Indiana University Southeast and joined the staff in November, 2020.