More winter weather is predicted for this weekend. Last weekend a number of disastrous crashes involving multiple vehicles occurred in the eastern region of the state. It is important to point out a few things that are vital to your safety when traveling in adverse conditions.
Plan your trip! Check current weather conditions, the forecast, road conditions at www.kandrive.org. When driving in adverse conditions (rain, snow, fog), turn on your headlights, not only so you can see, but so others can see you. Kansas law states headlights must be on when visibility is less than 1,000 feet, and when windshield wipers are in continuous use.
When traveling, be mindful of the conditions. If it suddenly starts snowing or raining, the probability for a roadway to be slick or to have slick spots is greatly increased. You should slow down! If you know adverse weather is approaching, plan to leave early allowing yourself additional time to arrive at your destination.
Another vital lesson on winter roads is to increase your following distance between vehicles! If you lose control of your vehicle or the driver ahead loses control of their vehicle or makes an avoidance maneuver, increased following distance affords you time to regain control or make an avoidance maneuver yourself to possibly avoid a crash.
Multi-vehicle crashes present a huge challenge to everyone involved, not just those who were part of the crash. Law enforcement and emergency personnel must care for the injured, extricate trapped passengers, coordinate the crash investigation, record witness statements, keep a record of where injured persons were transported, summon wreckers, and keep a record of where the vehicles were transported. All of this while closing highways and rerouting traffic for the safety of emergency workers and crash victims.
Driving in winter conditions, especially in Kansas takes a lot—preparation, caution, and patience. Keeping these things in mind when you travel, whether it’s just to work or on a trip, will help keep you, your family, and emergency personnel safe. If you need some winter driving safety tips and ideas what to equip your car with, you can visit our website at: www.kansashighwaypatrol.org/press/brochures/winterdrive.pdf.
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
Colonel Ernest E. Garcia
Colonel Ernest E. Garcia
About the Kansas Highway Patrol
- KS Highway Patrol
- Since 1937, Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers have offered Service, Courtesy, and Protection to the residents of the Sunflower State and to its millions of yearly visitors. More than 800 dedicated men and women are proud to serve the citizens of Kansas as members of the Patrol. They work hard and strive for excellence in public safety and traffic safety.