(FRANKFORT, Ky.) — The Bluegrass State has one of the nation’s most dangerous roads during Halloween season, according to new research on distracted driving crashes.
Kentucky ranks fourth in the United States for distracted driving incidents in October, with 2.89 crashes per million residents — 201% higher than the national average of 0.96, according to a study released by Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers.
The analysis examined five years of crash data from 2019 to 2023 using the Crash Data Analysis and Statistics Portal, focusing specifically on October when Halloween festivities and increased nighttime activity contribute to higher traffic volumes.
During the study period, Kentucky averaged 13 distracted driving crashes each October. The state saw its worst year in 2021 with 17 incidents, while 2019 and 2020 each recorded 11 crashes — the lowest in the five-year span. Kentucky’s average population during this period was approximately 4.5 million residents.
“Distracted driving continues to pose a significant threat during October — a month when celebrations, late-night parties, and Halloween festivities often lead to increased road activity,” said a spokesperson from Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers. “The fourth highest rates in Kentucky underscore the urgent need for awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of distracted driving laws, and enhanced driver education.”
The study normalized crash data across all states based on population to ensure accurate comparisons. Researchers ranked states to identify where drivers face the greatest risk of distracted driving incidents during the Halloween season.
The findings come as safety advocates continue pushing for stronger measures to combat distracted driving, which includes texting, phone use, eating, and other activities that divert attention from the road.
Study conducted by Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers. For more information, visit becklawmo.com.
