How to handle the holiday traffic, what Kentucky’s laws say about road safety

FRANKFORT, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — It’s expected to be among the busiest weekends for Thanksgiving travel in years, and in central Kentucky, it’s no exception. AAA Bluegrass Public Affairs Manager Lori Weaver Hawkins said an estimated 17,000 Kentuckians are traveling for the holiday, and 96% are using the roadways. And the opportunities for distraction are greater than usual.

“A lot of folks will have more people in their vehicles for distraction. They might be using navigation where they don’t on a daily basis,” Hawkins said.

Running into taillights is a likelihood this week. Hawkins advised people to pack their patience if they hit serious traffic.

“It’s not your job to police other drivers on their driving behavior and possibly escalate a situation,” she said.

Hawkins explained that aggressive driving incidents have escalated post-pandemic. From running lights, tailgating, and changing lanes abruptly, she advises motorists who deal with this kind of driver to just let them pass. But Hawkins explained that the increase in traffic is just as big of a risk for pedestrians too.

“They’re shopping, going out to dinner; what have you. That’s a danger as well,” she said.

Hawkins urged people to keep their heads on a swivel and double-check that the way is clear, even if a crosswalk gives you the go-ahead.

“We had over 7,500 people killed last year across the country. Here in Kentucky, 113. And unfortunately, we are already at 112 pedestrian fatalities in Kentucky to date,” she said.

Lawmakers in Frankfort have taken a few shots at improving Kentucky’s traffic laws and filed bills over the years that attempted to install red light cameras and go hands-free from devices. Hawkins says it’s possible they will come up again.

“They’ve been brought up in previous sessions, and then along with the expansion of the slow-down move-over bill, which we know is going to be filed,” she said.