I Was Surprised This Was Named Kentucky’s Most Dangerous Driving City

Had what I expected to find been true, I might not have even written this story. Since it's all about driving and the most dangerous cities in which to drive in Kentucky, I more or less expected Louisville or Lexington to be declared the dubious champ.

Driving in Louisville -- Nightmare Part 1

I'd say "don't get me started" regarding Louisville driving, but I'm writing about it, so I will get started. And I will tell you that driving in the Commonwealth's largest metropolis has never been a picnic. For one thing, there's always some sort of major road construction somewhere, and that really hasn't changed in 50 years. Plus, Louisville motorists seem to be a tad more aggressive. Not dangerous, really, but aggressive. Maybe "defensive" is the better word. And, on the occasion, an unnerving incident like this occurs:

Driving in Lexington -- Nightmare Part 2

I don't like the way the roads are laid out in Lexington. I don't like how long the traffic lights stay red in Lexington. I don't like New Circle Road in Lexington. I guess I should stay out of Lexington, shouldn't I? Well, I won't. I'll just continue to deal with it because I basically LIKE Lexington. The traffic is part of the package. It's my least favorite part, but it's a part, nonetheless. Last year, Lexington was at the business end of some unfortunate results:

Elizabethtown -- Kentucky's Most Dangerous Driving City

I have gotten lost not once but twice in E-town. As someone who prides himself on being great with directions, this is a humbling "mark" on my record. And if that's the worst thing that ever happens to me there, I'll consider myself lucky since Elizabethtown has been named the most dangerous driving city in Kentucky. Considering its population of just over 33,000 and that it's merely the eighth largest Kentucky city, this designation came as surprise. And it tops the list due to a data point about the most fatal accidents per 10,000 residents. In 2022--the most recent year in which the information was collected--E-town rang up 3.1 fatal accidents per 10,000 residents. That's good enough for the top spot in Kentucky and No. 18 in the entire country. In fact, that rate is 2.7 times higher than the national average.

A popular hub when traveling nearly anywhere in Kentucky, Elizabethtown offers drivers many breaks in the form of hotel accommodations and places to eat. Considering the data, it might not be a bad idea to pull over and take them up on their hospitality.

[SOURCE: Appalachian News-Express]