According to Kentucky State Police, one in two licensed drivers were involved in fatal accidents in Kentucky during 2022, with 723 fatal traffic collisions that led to 762 deaths. That same year, 28,773 people were also injured on public roads.
Louisville records a disproportionate number of serious accidents: 55% of fatal and serious crashes on only 5% of non-interstate roads. In 2022, there were 16,521 collisions in 2022 and 121 fatal accidents, which caused 127 people to die.
Driving with your family in Louisville can be a fun experience, but it’s important to drive safely and be aware of potential hazards. Jay Vaughn, an experienced Louisville car accident lawyer, shares some tips to help you drive safely around Louisville with your kids.
Watch Your Speed
Obey all posted speed limits, especially in residential areas and school zones where limits are lower. Drive slower if the conditions call for it, like in bad weather or heavy traffic. As car accident lawyers know, going too fast gives you less time to react and puts everyone at greater risk.
Avoid Distractions While Driving
3,308 people died because of distracted driving in 2022. Focus completely on driving when kids are in the car. Don’t talk on your phone, text, eat, or engage in other activities that can shift focus from the road. Pull over in a safe area if you need to attend to something urgent. Ask kids to avoid noisy games or behaviors that could distract you too. Staying alert is key to avoiding accidents.
Buckle Up Your Car Seatbealts
Make sure everyone is properly buckled before driving anywhere. Use car seats and boosters appropriate for your children’s sizes and ages. Check the fit regularly and replace seats that have been in collisions. Model seat belt use yourself on every trip to reinforce this vital habit in your kids. Proper use of car seats and seat belts can be lifesaving.
Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists While Driving
Louisville has many pedestrian walkways and bike lanes to be mindful of. Watch carefully for people crossing roads or cyclists sharing lanes, especially around parks and downtown. Yield to them, pass carefully, and teach kids to be aware of pedestrians and bikes near the car. Scan ahead for people emerging suddenly from behind parked cars or other obstacles too.
Drive Defensively Around Other Vehicles
Be alert to other drivers around you. Allow plenty of following distance in case vehicles stop short. Only pass with ample room and avoid tailgating. Signal your movements clearly. Scan and check blind spots before changing lanes or merging. Avoid confrontation and dangerous driving behavior from others. Defensive driving helps compensate for other drivers’ errors.
Plan Your Route
Know where you are going in advance and map out the best way to get there. Use apps like Google Maps for real-time traffic updates and alternate faster routes. Try to avoid high traffic areas and times when running errands or driving during peak hours. Pre-planning cuts down on getting lost and reduces frustration in the car.
Limit Driving When Tired
Drowsy driving leads to delayed response times and poor decisions. Be honest if you’re too tired to drive safely and delay non-essential trips. Trade off driving duties with another adult if able. Schedule regular breaks on longer trips. Get adequate rest before road trips. Don’t risk driving tired with family passengers who rely on you.
Driving carefully with your kids follows basic safe habits. Allow enough time, limit distractions, watch for hazards, and plan routes ahead of time. Safe driving practices keep everyone secure and make travel around Louisville more enjoyable.
