This coming Saturday and Sunday, May 1 & 2, 2010, marks the return of racing action to the Kansas Speedway. On Saturday, May 1, at 1:00 p.m., the Speedway will host the IZOD Indy Car Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300, featuring Indy type racing. On Sunday, May 2, at 12:00 p.m., the Speedway will host the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 250, featuring NASCAR truck racing.
There will be law enforcement officers from many jurisdictions assigned to provide security and traffic control for those entering and exiting the Speedway.
The Kansas Highway Patrol urges all fans and travelers in the vicinity of the Kansas Speedway and the Legends shopping district, around I-70 & I-435, to plan ahead, and expect traffic delays.
Typically when there is a large influx of traffic into an area such as this, there is also a noticeable increase in traffic crashes. Many of these crashes are avoidable if motorists would exercise more patience, and follow the directions of traffic control signs and officers directing traffic. Motorists should also reduce their speed, allow more following distance, and practice courtesy with their fellow motorists.
Most importantly, don’t allow yourself to be distracted from your driving (i.e.: cell phone use, texting, eating).Pay attention to the task at hand, which should be driving defensively. Don’t consume alcoholic beverages and drive (always use a sober designated driver). Lastly, always wear your safety belts, and make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled also.
If you observe a driver you suspect is Driving Under the Influence, call 911 for the local Police or Sheriff’s Dept., * KTA (*582) for the Kansas Turnpike Authority, or *HP (*47) for the Kansas Highway Patrol.
The men and women of the Kansas Highway Patrol wish everyone a safe and enjoyable weekend!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Douglas County Saturation Patrol Nets 9 DUIs
Last Saturday, April 24, additional troopers traveled to the Douglas County/Lawrence area to take part in a RAVE (Roving Aggressive Violation Enforcement) deployment. During a RAVE deployment, many troopers and sometimes other officers saturate an area, looking for any driver violating Kansas law. We would like to share the results of these special enforcement efforts, which are geared toward making Kansas safer.
11 troopers made 118 public contacts
9 DUI (Alcohol) arrests were made
1 Minor in Possession/Consumption
19 Preliminary Breath Tests/Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were conducted
1 Drug Related incident
11 Motorists were assisted
21 Speeding citations
18 Speeding warnings
14 Moving Hazardous Violation citations
38 Moving Hazardous Violation warnings
7 Seat Belt citations
2 Seat Belt warnings
6 Traffic Misdemeanor citations
4 Other Misdemeanor citations
8 Other Misdemeanor warnings
6 Other Violation citations
35 Other Violation warnings
Note: These are just the results from the special RAVE enforcement in Douglas County, not total, statewide KHP weekend activities.
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
11 troopers made 118 public contacts
9 DUI (Alcohol) arrests were made
1 Minor in Possession/Consumption
19 Preliminary Breath Tests/Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were conducted
1 Drug Related incident
11 Motorists were assisted
21 Speeding citations
18 Speeding warnings
14 Moving Hazardous Violation citations
38 Moving Hazardous Violation warnings
7 Seat Belt citations
2 Seat Belt warnings
6 Traffic Misdemeanor citations
4 Other Misdemeanor citations
8 Other Misdemeanor warnings
6 Other Violation citations
35 Other Violation warnings
Note: These are just the results from the special RAVE enforcement in Douglas County, not total, statewide KHP weekend activities.
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Passing On The Shoulder A Dangerous Risk To Take
Recently in Kansas there have been two fatality crashes involving drivers passing on the shoulder. Passing on the shoulder is not only against the law, but it is dangerous for you, your passengers, and other motorists.
Highway shoulders are designated for emergency use only, not for driving, and certainly, not for passing. They exist for disabled vehicles, stranded motorists, and other emergency situations. Kansas statute 8-1517 makes it illegal to pass on the right shoulder. The fine is $60 for the violation, with court costs of $93.50. If you’re caught passing illegally and ticketed, you’ll pay $153.50 for committing this extremely hazardous traffic violation.
If you’re using a shoulder to pass another vehicle, your view is oftentimes obstructed by that vehicle, and you may not see pedestrians, other vehicles ahead that may be turning, parked vehicles, or debris on the shoulder. You could strike another person, and you could cause disabling injuries or death to yourself or others.
If you pull onto the shoulder to pass a vehicle that’s waiting to turn left, are you certain there is not a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction that might turn into the path of your vehicle? A third vehicle could approach on the side road, assume you’re turning and pull out onto the highway. You could collide broadside with that vehicle, or vice versa, either way the consequences of this type of crash can be devastating.
If you travel onto the shoulder in order to pass a car, there’s often loose gravel or uneven pavement on shoulders. You can lose control of your vehicle quickly, especially when traveling at highway speeds.
Many children that are hit while boarding/exiting school buses are struck by a vehicle improperly passing. Passing when there are obstructed views—on hills, grades, curves, etc.—is also dangerous. Your inability to see around/through the obstruction unnecessarily places yourself and others in danger.
Passing on the shoulder is extremely dangerous. Exercise patience, it could save your or someone else’s life. Think about it, is it really worth it to save a little time?
Highway shoulders are designated for emergency use only, not for driving, and certainly, not for passing. They exist for disabled vehicles, stranded motorists, and other emergency situations. Kansas statute 8-1517 makes it illegal to pass on the right shoulder. The fine is $60 for the violation, with court costs of $93.50. If you’re caught passing illegally and ticketed, you’ll pay $153.50 for committing this extremely hazardous traffic violation.
If you’re using a shoulder to pass another vehicle, your view is oftentimes obstructed by that vehicle, and you may not see pedestrians, other vehicles ahead that may be turning, parked vehicles, or debris on the shoulder. You could strike another person, and you could cause disabling injuries or death to yourself or others.
If you pull onto the shoulder to pass a vehicle that’s waiting to turn left, are you certain there is not a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction that might turn into the path of your vehicle? A third vehicle could approach on the side road, assume you’re turning and pull out onto the highway. You could collide broadside with that vehicle, or vice versa, either way the consequences of this type of crash can be devastating.
If you travel onto the shoulder in order to pass a car, there’s often loose gravel or uneven pavement on shoulders. You can lose control of your vehicle quickly, especially when traveling at highway speeds.
Many children that are hit while boarding/exiting school buses are struck by a vehicle improperly passing. Passing when there are obstructed views—on hills, grades, curves, etc.—is also dangerous. Your inability to see around/through the obstruction unnecessarily places yourself and others in danger.
Passing on the shoulder is extremely dangerous. Exercise patience, it could save your or someone else’s life. Think about it, is it really worth it to save a little time?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
No Room for Error in Construction Zones—Observing National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week
This week is National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week. It is a time designated to raise awareness about work zone safety, and urge motorists to exercise caution in work zones. The important thing to remember though is that every day is a day for safety in construction zones and on highways.
In Kansas roadwork occurs nearly every day, regardless of the season. Road workers have a reasonable expectation to return home safely at the end of every day. As motorists, we must drive defensively and obey the laws to ensure the safety of our roadway workers. The safety of drivers and their passengers is imperative, as well. Annually 85-percent of those killed in work zones are drivers/passengers.
The Kansas Highway Patrol is committed to the safety of road workers. Every year, we patrol the construction zones, looking for motorists speeding, and violations of other Kansas’ laws. Like KDOT’s road workers, we spend much of our time on the side of the road. Most every trooper or road worker could tell you of a close call they’ve had with traffic. Many officers greatest fear is of being struck by a passing motorist.
Each and every day, KDOT workers, and Patrol workers put their lives on the line to increase the safety of the motoring public, whether it be assisting a stranded motorist, stopping a car, directing traffic at a crash scene, filling a pothole, or re-striping the highway. It’s a tough job that many people will not answer the call for. But these dedicated workers do, and they should be kept safe while making Kansas’ roads safer for all of us.
Too often when driving through a construction zone, motorists are observed not paying attention. This can be a dangerous situation anytime, but especially in a construction zone when there is less room for error, with roadway workers and heavy equipment present. Drivers need to slow down in these work zones. Put cell phones down, allow plenty of room between you and the workers, and simply pay attention.
As a partner and strong supporter of the Patrol’s, KDOT’s workers are valued by Patrol personnel. As we have joined in so many other partnerships, we’d like to join KDOT in this initiative to protect our workers on Kansas highways.
In Kansas roadwork occurs nearly every day, regardless of the season. Road workers have a reasonable expectation to return home safely at the end of every day. As motorists, we must drive defensively and obey the laws to ensure the safety of our roadway workers. The safety of drivers and their passengers is imperative, as well. Annually 85-percent of those killed in work zones are drivers/passengers.
The Kansas Highway Patrol is committed to the safety of road workers. Every year, we patrol the construction zones, looking for motorists speeding, and violations of other Kansas’ laws. Like KDOT’s road workers, we spend much of our time on the side of the road. Most every trooper or road worker could tell you of a close call they’ve had with traffic. Many officers greatest fear is of being struck by a passing motorist.
Each and every day, KDOT workers, and Patrol workers put their lives on the line to increase the safety of the motoring public, whether it be assisting a stranded motorist, stopping a car, directing traffic at a crash scene, filling a pothole, or re-striping the highway. It’s a tough job that many people will not answer the call for. But these dedicated workers do, and they should be kept safe while making Kansas’ roads safer for all of us.
Too often when driving through a construction zone, motorists are observed not paying attention. This can be a dangerous situation anytime, but especially in a construction zone when there is less room for error, with roadway workers and heavy equipment present. Drivers need to slow down in these work zones. Put cell phones down, allow plenty of room between you and the workers, and simply pay attention.
As a partner and strong supporter of the Patrol’s, KDOT’s workers are valued by Patrol personnel. As we have joined in so many other partnerships, we’d like to join KDOT in this initiative to protect our workers on Kansas highways.
Friday, April 16, 2010
High School Proms & Graduations--A Dangerous Time For Teens
Each spring as the school year draws to a close, high schools across the state begin preparing for their Junior/Senior Proms and Graduations. While these events are usually met with great anticipation and excitement by school administrators, students, and parents, there is another dangerous reality that presents itself…underage drinking at parties to celebrate the occasions.
While schools do a great job of providing After Prom parties and activities as a safe alternative, too often some students will not attend the school sponsored party, and instead choose to attend alternative parties that provide alcoholic beverages. This creates a dangerous situation for our young adults, and troopers, deputies, and police officers know all too well the possibilities that exist.
Currently, schools across the state are hosting safety demonstrations by MADD, the National Save a Life Tour (a high-impact alcohol awareness program), and law enforcement, in which mock crashes are utilized as a teaching tool for students to understand the ramifications of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These demonstrations are designed to make students think about the consequences of their actions, and understand that poor choices could cost them or someone else their life. These choices can have lifelong consequences for everyone involved!
Law enforcement officers across the state are aware of Prom and Graduation dates. They are often advised by concerned citizens of illegal parties, and schedule extra enforcement when the parties are occurring. There have been occasions where parents or friends host parties, thinking they will provide a safe environment for teens to party and drink alcohol. These are defined as “Social Hosting” under KSA 21-3610c, and are illegal. Violation of this law is a Class A misdemeanor, with a minimum fine of $1,000.
Students, we encourage you to make responsible choices. Attend your school sponsored After Prom parties; resist peer pressure to consume alcohol or drugs. Think about your future, what type of career do you see for yourself? If you are convicted for DUI or drug violations, they are a part of your permanent record, and as such, could automatically disqualify you from many professions. Worse yet, you may be involved in a life altering or life ending tragedy that will forever impact your memories of this very special time.
Parents, monitor your child’s activities. Ask the school to implement a notification policy if students leave Prom or the After Prom party early. Check on your child occasionally. If they say they are going somewhere, check to see if they are actually there (They may not like it now, but they will thank you later in life, and remember that lesson when they become parents.). Don’t become an enabler by hosting drinking parties. Not only are they illegal, but you are liable if someone gets injured or suffers alcohol poisoning.
The Kansas Highway Patrol encourages everyone to celebrate in a safe and legal manner. Please buckle your safety belts as you travel, and avoid distractions in your vehicle that prevent you from giving your full time and attention to driving. Never drink and drive. This season is a time of life-changing moments. Do your best to make good memories, not bad ones that will affect you and your families for the rest of your lives!
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
While schools do a great job of providing After Prom parties and activities as a safe alternative, too often some students will not attend the school sponsored party, and instead choose to attend alternative parties that provide alcoholic beverages. This creates a dangerous situation for our young adults, and troopers, deputies, and police officers know all too well the possibilities that exist.
Currently, schools across the state are hosting safety demonstrations by MADD, the National Save a Life Tour (a high-impact alcohol awareness program), and law enforcement, in which mock crashes are utilized as a teaching tool for students to understand the ramifications of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These demonstrations are designed to make students think about the consequences of their actions, and understand that poor choices could cost them or someone else their life. These choices can have lifelong consequences for everyone involved!
Law enforcement officers across the state are aware of Prom and Graduation dates. They are often advised by concerned citizens of illegal parties, and schedule extra enforcement when the parties are occurring. There have been occasions where parents or friends host parties, thinking they will provide a safe environment for teens to party and drink alcohol. These are defined as “Social Hosting” under KSA 21-3610c, and are illegal. Violation of this law is a Class A misdemeanor, with a minimum fine of $1,000.
Students, we encourage you to make responsible choices. Attend your school sponsored After Prom parties; resist peer pressure to consume alcohol or drugs. Think about your future, what type of career do you see for yourself? If you are convicted for DUI or drug violations, they are a part of your permanent record, and as such, could automatically disqualify you from many professions. Worse yet, you may be involved in a life altering or life ending tragedy that will forever impact your memories of this very special time.
Parents, monitor your child’s activities. Ask the school to implement a notification policy if students leave Prom or the After Prom party early. Check on your child occasionally. If they say they are going somewhere, check to see if they are actually there (They may not like it now, but they will thank you later in life, and remember that lesson when they become parents.). Don’t become an enabler by hosting drinking parties. Not only are they illegal, but you are liable if someone gets injured or suffers alcohol poisoning.
The Kansas Highway Patrol encourages everyone to celebrate in a safe and legal manner. Please buckle your safety belts as you travel, and avoid distractions in your vehicle that prevent you from giving your full time and attention to driving. Never drink and drive. This season is a time of life-changing moments. Do your best to make good memories, not bad ones that will affect you and your families for the rest of your lives!
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Patrol to Celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunications Week
The Kansas Highway Patrol is celebrating the second full week of April (April 11-17) as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. This week, sponsored by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International, and celebrated annually, honors the thousands of men and women who answer emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, and render life-saving assistance to the world’s citizens.
The critical role played by public safety telecommunications professionals across the nation, and within the KHP, is oftentimes underappreciated and underestimated. When a member of the public or an officer needs help during an emergency, dispatchers become their lifeline, ensuring that the appropriate assistance is contacted and en route to whatever the situation might be.
The work our dispatchers perform, and the skill in which it is delivered, clearly benefits and enhances the safety of our officers and the public. They remain faceless and nameless to those who depend upon their expertise, and it is appropriate that we recognize them in April for all they do.
Most of the KHP’s telecommunications professionals are centrally housed in Salina, with a few assigned to Topeka. They collectively serve nearly 600 troopers, motor carrier inspectors, Capitol Police officers, and motorist assistance technicians throughout the Patrol’s seven field troops, and the Capitol Complex. Currently, there are nearly 70 men and women assigned dispatch duties within the agency.
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
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