Kentucky State Police Launch Highway Safety Crackdown as Part of National Safe Driving Effort

FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY — The Kentucky State Police (KSP) are joining law enforcement agencies nationwide this week for Operation SafeDRIVE, a coordinated effort focused on reducing crashes involving large commercial trucks and preventing reckless or impaired driving across the state’s highways.

The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division of KSP will take part in the national initiative, which runs through October 9, and aims to make roads safer for both truck drivers and passenger vehicles.

Focus on Distracted and Reckless Driving

According to the agency, the campaign targets distracted, aggressive, and impaired drivers, as well as commercial truck operators who violate safety standards.

Troopers and inspectors will increase patrols along major highways, focusing on high-risk areas where large truck collisions are more frequent.

“Our goal is to make Kentucky’s highways safer by ensuring all drivers—whether in a semi-truck or a car—are alert, patient, and following the law,” KSP officials said in a statement.

During the campaign, KSP will also conduct vehicle inspections, monitor speeding violations, and enforce safe following distances.

Safety Tips for Drivers

Troopers are reminding all motorists to practice basic road safety around large trucks, including:

• Staying visible and avoiding blind spots.
• Signaling early before lane changes or turns.
• Giving extra space when merging or passing commercial vehicles.

“Small actions can make a big difference in preventing deadly crashes,” KSP added.

The department emphasized that most collisions between cars and large trucks are caused by unsafe maneuvers from smaller vehicles. Operation SafeDRIVE aims to curb those habits before they cause serious injuries or fatalities.

National Safety Initiative

Operation SafeDRIVE (Safe Driving Requires Initiative and Vigilance Everywhere) is a federal campaign supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The initiative seeks to reduce crash rates involving commercial vehicles nationwide by promoting enforcement, education, and driver awareness.

Kentucky’s participation comes as the state continues to see rising truck-related accidents, particularly along I-64, I-65, and I-75, which serve as major freight corridors through the region.

KSP urges all drivers to stay alert, slow down, and make safe decisions behind the wheel. For more public safety updates and Kentucky traffic reports, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.