LOUISVILLE, Ky. — If you drive, you've probably noticed fewer cars are on the roads this year because of the pandemic. But, according to Kentucky State Police, that doesn't mean the roads are safer. 

The Commonwealth has recorded fewer accidents in 2020, but traffic fatalities are up. More than 765 people have died on Kentucky roads this year — the most in the past five years.

Trooper Corey King said excessive speed and a lack of seatbelt use are driving the trend. A startling 60 percent of the people killed on Kentucky roadways this year were not wearing seatbelts. 

"Your first line of defense is to slow down, to watch and maintain your speed. But your second line, and equally as important, is to utilize your seatbelt," King said. "I’ve always had this saying that I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. So simply just put it on. That right there, by looking at the numbers, 60 percent - that says a lot to me.”

Many people canceled holiday travel plans because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Automobile Association estimated around 85 million people would hit the road over the holidays, about a third fewer travelers than in 2019.

KSP will still be conducting holiday patrols through the New Year. King encouraged drivers to slow down, wear their seatbelts, remove distractions and pay attention. 

“At the end of the day, the greatest Christmas gift to us is not having to go to someone’s door and knock and tell someone that their loved one is not coming home," King said. "We are all hopeful that we will have a very uneventful holiday season.”