KSP Stepping Up Patrols over Thanksgiving Weekend

Kentucky State Police are increasing patrols this Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

KSP reports that last year there were 10 vehicle crashes across the commonwealth that claimed the lives of 11 people during the Thanksgiving travel period. One fatal crash involved alcohol and 4 fatalities resulted from not wearing a seat belt.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officials said Thanksgiving is the most dangerous holiday of the year for drivers. This includes the four-day holiday driving period surrounding that date when heavy traffic, weather and long-distance road trips combine to create severe travel conditions.

“The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is traditionally one of the most traveled weekends of the year," said KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer. "To ensure we all make it to our destinations safely, troopers will be on Kentucky roadways looking for unsafe driving practices including seat belt and impaired driving violations.”

"It's the simple, common sense things that can make a crucial difference such as wearing a seat belt, reducing your speed and avoiding driving after consuming alcohol or drugs," notes Brewer.

KSP will participate in the official 2014 Thanksgiving holiday enforcement period that begins Wednesday at 6:00 pm, and extends through Sunday.