Kentucky State Police recently released DUI arrest statistics, and the rate of DUI arrests in Grayson County in 2017 was among the highest in the region, when including the six counties surrounding Grayson.
In 2017 (the most recent year complete data is available), 166 drivers were arrested in Grayson County on a DUI charge –either alcohol- or drug-related. With the Census Bureau estimating Grayson County’s population at 26,194 in 2017, the rate of DUI arrests is equivalent to one DUI arrest per 157.8 residents.
Grayson and surrounding counties’ 2017 DUI statistics:
- Ohio Co. – 24,378 residents, 212 DUI arrests – One arrest per 115.0 residents
- Hardin Co. – 107,316 residents, 681 DUI arrests – One arrest per 157.6 residents
- Grayson Co. – 26,194 residents, 166 DUI arrests – One arrest per 157.8 residents
- Butler Co. – 12,845 residents, 65 DUI arrests – One arrest per 197.6 residents
- Hart Co. – 18,627 residents, 90 DUI arrests – One arrest per 207.0 residents
- Breckinridge Co. – 19,961 residents, 64 DUI arrests – One arrest per 311.9 residents
- Edmonson Co. – 12,114 residents, 38 DUI arrests – One arrest per 318.8 residents
Kentucky’s most populace counties register wide-ranging rates of DUI arrest numbers (counties listed in order of population):
- Jefferson Co. – 771,158 residents, 1,769 DUI arrests – One arrest per 435.9 residents
- Fayette Co. – 318,449 residents, 1,296 DUI arrests – One arrest per 245.7 residents
- Kenton Co. – 164,945 residents, 853 DUI arrests – One arrest per 193.4 residents
- Boone Co. – 126,413 residents, 597 DUI arrests – One arrest per 211.7 residents
- Warren Co. – 125,532 residents, 876 DUI arrests – One arrest per 143.3 residents
In the state of Kentucky, with an estimated population of 4,454,189, DUI arrests totaled 23,357 in 2017, equivalent to one DUI arrest per 190.7 residents.
There are many law enforcement factors to consider when evaluating DUI statistics, such as the number of police officers in each county, and whether law enforcement has a presence during the late-night and overnight hours, particularly on weekends (many counties have no or a very limited law enforcement presence in the overnight hours due to a lack of funding).
Recreational activities available in each area is also a consideration, particularly in Grayson County where thousands of fun-seekers converge on the county during the summer months to enjoy the Twin Lakes, adding significantly to the county’s population.
It’s important to note that police agencies throughout Kentucky receive federal money allocated for DUI enforcement. According to Sheriff Norman Chaffins, that money is used to conduct traffic safety checkpoints, patrol high crime locations and frequent crash sites.
Additionally, Kentucky State Police, along with local police agencies, conduct “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaigns throughout the year, where law enforcement places an even greater emphasis on removing impaired drivers from the roadways.
(Photo: Leitchfield PD Officer Keith Harrel and GC Deputy DJ Newton execute a recent DUI arrest)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
