Lexington sees a rise in pedestrian deaths in 2023

As another person was hit and killed after a car accident in Lexington, the police department is working to help curb the issue after a high number of pedestrian deaths were reported this year.

Lexington, Ky (WTVQ): As another person was hit and killed after a car accident in Lexington, the police department is working to help curb the issue after a high number of pedestrian deaths were reported this year. Lexington police say the incident happened just before three Tuesday morning, on New Circle Road near Leestown Road.

“We talk about driving defensively pedestrians need to walk defensively as well to make sure they’re safe on the roads,” said Chris Van Brackel, a lieutenant for the Lexington Police Department. He says one of the reasons for the increase in pedestrian deaths could be tied back to COVID.

Brackel says during that time folks may have gotten comfortable bending the rules since there was less traffic. “So, now were getting that situation where we’ve got a lot more cars on the road and that margin for error is a lot smaller.”

The city is working on several ways to address the issue, including a federal grant for the New Circle, Lees town road interchange. With better pedestrian access and crosswalks. “Where the state is putting a significant amount of money, and a lot of time into changing that intersection and those bridges to make that overall area a lot safer,” Brackel said.

Lexington is also working hard with the safe streets initiative to make the roads safe for everyone, but. Brackel says pedestrians must do their part to protect themselves. “Be aware of your surroundings, wear bright clothes, wear reflective clothes, cross at the cross walks use the lights,” he said. “These continue to be important things.”