Bowling Green, KY, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Following a catastrophic four-car crash on the Bluegrass Parkway that claimed the lives of Todd and Leslie Parson, their daughter Jessica Ashby is spearheading a petition for enhanced road safety measures. The family is pushing for the installation of cable barriers to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. The need for immediate action is underscored by multiple fatalities on the parkway since 2020, with calls from the community for the Kentucky Department of Transportation to prioritize roadway safety improvements.
Bowling Green, KY – Following a tragic four-car collision on the Bluegrass Parkway, a local family is calling for immediate safety improvements to the roadway. On December 7, Todd and Leslie Parson were killed when their car was struck head-on by a vehicle that lost control and crossed the median. Their daughter, Jessica Ashby, is now leading a petition for the installation of cable barriers on the parkway, which she argues could prevent such deadly accidents in the future.
The fatal crash occurred around 5 p.m. as Todd and Leslie were driving home from an event. They were not alone in their tragedy; another victim, Shirley Fuqua, also lost her life in this incident. The trauma of this loss has driven Jessica Ashby to advocate for improved safety measures on the highway, emphasizing that no child should experience the simultaneous loss of both parents in such a preventable manner.
To date, Ashby’s change.org petition has received nearly 1,000 signatures. The petition urges the Kentucky Department of Transportation (KYTC) to prioritize safety improvements along the Bluegrass Parkway, particularly the installation of cable barriers, which have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of crossover crashes. Federal Highway Administration studies indicate a 90% decrease in crossover fatalities when such barriers are in place.
There have been three deadly crossover crashes on the Bluegrass Parkway since the beginning of 2020, which resulted in five fatalities and 18 injury crashes. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for safety enhancements on the highway. While KYTC has acknowledged the parkway’s original design from the 1960s complicates the installation of these barriers, many residents and travelers are asking for immediate action to address safety concerns.
Currently, there are no cable barriers between Elizabethtown and Versailles on the Bluegrass Parkway. In response to rising fatality numbers, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is reviewing crash data to assess safety concerns before making decisions about the potential installation of cable barriers. There has been a noted decline in highway fatalities in 2024 compared to the previous year, marking the lowest number of fatalities in the past decade, yet advocates are pressing for further action.
Ashby continues to campaign for funding to implement necessary safety measures, citing strong evidence supporting their need. The petition reflects a growing concern among residents of Hardin County and those traveling along the Bluegrass Parkway, all advocating for a safer roadway to prevent future tragedies.
Background
The Bluegrass Parkway has been a vital route for travelers in Kentucky, connecting various regions. However, the increase in crossover accidents has raised significant alarms about the roadway’s safety. Ashby’s efforts highlight a critical turning point in advocating for road safety in the area.
Timeline of Events
- December 7, 2022: Fatal crash involving the Parsons and Fuqua occurs.
- 2020-Present: Three deadly crossover incidents reported on the Bluegrass Parkway.
- Recent: Ashby starts the petition for cable barriers, gaining nearly 1,000 signatures.
Key Statistics
- Fatal Crossover Crashes since 2020: 3
- Overall Fatalities from these Crashes: 5
- Injury Crashes: 18
- Fatalities Decline in 2024: Lowest in 10 years
Impact of Cable Barriers
| Study Findings | Crossover Fatalities Reduction |
|---|---|
| Cable Barriers Implemented | 90% Decrease |
Conclusion
The call for safety improvements on the Bluegrass Parkway represents not only a response to personal tragedy but a broader community commitment to ensuring that such accidents do not occur in the future. As the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet continues to assess crash data, the growing support for the installation of cable barriers could lead to significant changes in roadway safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What happened during the crash on December 7, 2022?
The crash involved a vehicle that lost control and crossed the median, striking the Parsons’ car head-on, resulting in multiple fatalities. -
What is a cable barrier?
A cable barrier is a type of roadside safety feature designed to prevent vehicles from crossing over medians and into oncoming traffic, significantly reducing the chance of crossover accidents. -
How effective are cable barriers?
Studies have shown that implementing cable barriers can lead to a 90% decrease in crossover fatalities. -
Are there existing cable barriers on the Bluegrass Parkway?
Currently, there are no cable barriers installed between Elizabethtown and Versailles on the Bluegrass Parkway.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Two-Car Collision on Scottsville Road Disrupts Traffic in Bowling Green
Tragic Accidents Leave Hardin County and Bowling Green in Mourning
Additional Resources
- WDRB: Kentucky Family Pushes for Barriers on Bluegrass Parkway
- LEX18: 1 Charged After Crash on Bluegrass Parkway
- Wave3: 3 Dead After Crash on Bluegrass Parkway
- WSLS: Man Dead After Two-Vehicle Crash
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
