Ryan Scott Ottney

PDT Staff Writer

Kentucky State Police (KSP) this week released its preliminary statistics from last week, Jan. 2-6, reporting six fatalities in five separate crashes in the state of Kentucky during this first week of 2013.

According to KSP, one double-fatality motor vehicle crash occurred in Fleming County. In this accident, KSP reports that one of the victims was not wearing a seat belt.

Two single-fatality motor vehicle crashes occurred in Jefferson County, and the use of alcohol is suspected in both crashes.

One single-fatality motor vehicle crash occurred in Lincoln County and and one in Ohio County. KSP reports that the victim in Lincoln County was not wearing a seat belt and alcohol was involved.

This first week of 2013 begins with six fatalities in Kentucky, which is two less than reported for this time period in 2012.

Accumulative statistics from the past week in Ohio were not yet available, but according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol there were six fatalities reported in Ohio during the New Year’s Holiday — Dec. 31, 2012 through Jan 1, 2013. This number is down from 14 fatalities during the four-day New Year’s Holiday weekend last year.

Of this New Year’s Holiday fatalities in Ohio, two fatalities occurred in Franklin County including a pedestrian. The OSHP reported 110 incidents in Scioto County during the holiday, but no fatalities.

KSP reminds citizens that they can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.

In Ohio, the public is encouraged to continue using #677 to report dangerous or impaired drivers, as well as drug activity.

Ryan Scott Ottney can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 287, or rottney@portsmouth-dailytimes.com.