HOPKINS COUNTY, Ky. (1/18/12) - For the year 2012, Post 2 reports the following activity:

• Arrested 449 Impaired Drivers
• Issued a Total of 24,895 Citations
• Issued 8,426 Speeding Citations
• Issued 2,731 Seatbelt Citations
• Issued 196 Child Restraint Citations
• Issued 8,425 Courtesy Notices
• Investigated 904 Traffic Crashes
• Assisted 2,186 Stranded Motorists
• Responded to 10,562 Calls for Service
• Opened 623 Criminal Cases
• Made 3,393 Criminal Arrests

There were 31 fatalities in 29 crashes reported in the Post 2 District in 2012. This is a decrease from 2011 when 35 lives were lost in 33 fatal crashes.

Of the 31 fatalities in 2012, 15 victims were not wearing seatbelts, 9 victims were wearing seatbelts, 1 victim was not wearing a helmet, 4 victims were wearing helmets, and 2 victims were pedestrians.

Although statewide fatalities increased from 720 in 2011 to 742 in 2012, the Post 2 District saw the lowest number of fatalities reported in the past 27 years. KSP Post 2 Commander Captain Ricki Allen commented, “Seeing fatalities decrease in the Post 2 District to the fewest in several decades is outstanding; however, we must still strive to do better. We must continue our educational and enforcement efforts to get the motoring public to realize the importance of using restraints.”

The following is a breakdown by county of fatalities in the Post 2 District in 2012:

• Caldwell – 2 crashes 2 fatalities
• Christian – 8 crashes 9 fatalities
• Crittenden – 2 crashes 2 fatalities
• Hopkins – 8 crashes 9 fatalities
• Muhlenberg – 4 crashes 4 fatalities
• Todd – 3 crashes 3 fatalities
• Webster – 2 crashes 2 fatalities

Throughout the year, troopers from KSP Post 2 Madisonville will conduct traffic safety checkpoints in the Post 2 District. The KSP utilizes traffic safety checkpoints to promote safety for motorists and to provide a deterrent for those who violate laws contained in the Kentucky Revised Statutes.
 
The intent of a traffic safety checkpoint is to provide a highly visible, public safety service focusing on vehicular equipment deficiencies, confirming appropriate registration and insurance of vehicles, and the valid licensing of drivers. Violations of law or other public safety issues that arise shall be addressed.
 
For traffic safety checkpoint locations in your area, you may refer to the web site: www.kentuckystatepolice.org/posts/press/post2_checkpoints.htm.
 
Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers may remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel, and license number if possible.
 
KSP Post 2 serves the following counties: Caldwell, Christian, Crittenden, Hopkins, Muhlenberg, Todd, and Webster.

These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.
 
SurfKY News
Information provided by Stu Recke (Kentucky State Police)

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