Office of Highway Safety Reminds Kentucky Drivers to Plan Safe Rides this Holiday Season

‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ continues through New Year’s Day

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 5, 2022) – To keep Kentucky roadways as safe as possible through the holidays, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and law enforcement nationwide in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign Dec. 14, 2022 through Jan. 1, 2023.

“The holidays are just around the corner as Kentuckians look to celebrate with family and friends,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Let’s crossover into the new year together by avoiding unnecessary tragedy. If your celebrations include alcohol, please celebrate responsibly by booking a safe ride home or designating a sober driver.”

According to NHTSA, impaired driving-related crashes tend to increase during the holidays.

“If you are under the influence of any substance and choose to get behind the wheel, you put everyone on the road in danger, including yourself,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “Together, we can avoid preventable tragedies on Kentucky roadways.”

In Kentucky, 513 impaired driving-related crashes resulting in 244 injuries and 13 deaths occurred during the Christmas and New Year holidays over the last five years.

“Drugs and/or alcohol not only hinder your ability to drive, but also affect your judgment about whether you can or should drive,” said Secretary Gray. “This is why we ask that you make a plan before drinking begins. No matter what you choose – a sober friend, taxi service or ride booking company – we want you to arrive at your destination safely.”

To prevent impaired driving-related tragedies this holiday season, KYTC recommends the following:

1. Before festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night;


2. If impaired, use a ride-booking company or taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation;


3. If you see an impaired driver, safely pull over and contact law enforcement. You may dial the KSP toll-free line directly at 1-800-222-5555 or call 911;


4. If you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination; and


5. Wear a seat belt! It is not only the law, it is the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if involved in a crash.

“Impaired driving-related crashes are 100 percent preventable,” said Sec. Gray. “All we ask is that you make safe choices this holiday season and celebrate responsibly.”

For more information on drunken driving visit https://kydrivesoberholiday.com/

Editors Note: Click here for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over logo.

Gov. Andy Beshear Announces Publication of ‘Complete Streets, Roads and Highways Manual’ to Promote Equitable, Safe Transportation

Updated guidance for transportation planners, agencies promote roadway design that serves motorized, pedestrian and cyclist populations

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 30, 2022) – Gov. Andy Beshear, whose Better Kentucky Plan includes improved transportation for all users of the state’s highway system, today announced the publication of the “Complete Streets, Roads and Highways Manual.” Produced by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), the manual provides guidance for transportation planning organizations and agencies to promote equitable and safe roadway designs that prioritize safety, convenience and comfort for all road users.

The new manual, which is available online here, represents the first update in 20 years of Kentucky’s pedestrian and bicycle travel policy.

“Highway safety has been one of my top priorities,” Gov. Beshear said. “And that means safety for everyone who uses our transportation system – motorists, motorcyclists, transit riders, bicyclists and pedestrians. This provides valuable guidance to equip transportation industry partners across all levels to consider multi-modal systems when planning to support equity and accessibility in communities.”

The new ‘Complete Streets’ manual was designed to equip transportation planners, engineers, agencies and all Kentucky communities with guidance, recommendations and resources. The manual was developed with input from federal, state, and local transportation partners. It can be updated as technology advances and best practices evolve.

“This new, all-inclusive multi-modal transportation plan is smart and safe, and something we can be proud of. This is exciting for Kentucky,” Bike Walk Kentucky board member Sharon Brown said.

KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said a “complete street” is safe and accommodating for all users. Its design can vary according to land use, corridor characteristics and types of travelers who are expected to use it. As a concept, it also can be adapted for all types of communities – urban, suburban, small town and rural. Implementation may include a dedicated space for pedestrians and cyclists, such as bike lanes (or wide paved shoulders), sidewalks, crosswalks, median islands, accessible pedestrian signals, roadway reconfigurations and roundabouts.

“Historically, streets, roads and highways were designed around cars and trucks. Today, our transportation planners and designers approach their tasks holistically, taking the needs of all users into account and building accordingly,” Secretary Gray said. “There’s no one-size fits all recommendation as roadway features must be tailored to fit the community context. As a recreational cyclist, I know safety is not just about statistics, it’s also a feeling. I’m proud of the strides made to expand mobility in communities and to give Kentuckians more safe travel options they feel comfortable using.”

To elevate the state’s safety and equity priority, Secretary Gray signed an official order outlining KYTC’s policy to meet needs of all users and requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act when planning, building, rehabilitating and maintaining all state-maintained streets and roads. The users include motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, transit and freight, benefitting people of all ages and abilities.

EDITORS NOTE: Click here for a photo of a shared use path in Berea, Kentucky on KY 595. Click here for a photo of Town Branch Commons in Lexington.