On June 30, 2010, officers throughout the state began enforcing Kansas’ new seatbelt law by writing citations. The two days prior to the enforcement date were tragic days on Kansas roads. On June 29, 2010, eight people lost their lives in five separate crashes, and numerous injuries were suffered by others involved. On June 30, two more people died in two separate crashes. The one commonality these crashes had? None of those who died were wearing a seatbelt.
Numerous public safety advocates, including the Kansas Department of Transportation and many law enforcement agencies, supported the passage of House Bill 2130 (the Primary Seatbelt Law), this past legislative session. Some people consider this just another way for officers to issue a ticket, but in reality, it has nothing to do with citations, and everything to do with safety.
Nationally, Kansas ranks as one of the lowest states for seatbelt usage. In 2008, 69.4% of vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes on Kansas’ roadways were not properly restrained. How could this number have been affected had these people simply buckled up before they got on the road? From 1998-2008, there were 4,352 deaths on Kansas roads in traffic crashes. Of those who were killed, only 1,296, or 29.8% were properly restrained. Kansas is below the 2009 national average of seat belt use, which was 84%. The promising news is that statistically, states with stricter seatbelt laws see the usage of seatbelts increase. In Kansas, this will help save lives.
As a law enforcement agency, our troopers have worked so many fatality crashes where the person most likely would have survived had they been properly restrained. Unbelted vehicle occupants are often ejected from the vehicle, or partially ejected. They risk the vehicle rolling over onto them, or coming to rest on their body once they are ejected from the vehicle. Some mistakenly think that if they aren’t buckled, a vehicle’s airbags will save them. Airbags in a vehicle are designed to work with a seatbelt, not replace it. If you’re thrown (because of no seatbelt) into a rapidly opening airbag, the force could injure or kill you.
Kansas troopers are serious about enforcing the new Primary Seatbelt Law. During the Memorial Day holiday weekend, troopers issued 154 seatbelt citations to adults and seven seatbelt citations to teens. Then, over the July 4th holiday weekend, after the passage of the primary seatbelt law, troopers issued 728 seatbelt citations to adults and 39 to teens.
It is our hope that with the passage of the Primary Seat Belt Law, all Kansans will buckle up…not just because it’s the law, but for their own personal safety, and the safety of their family and friends.
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Safe Travels Urged Over the July 4 Holiday Weekend
Communities across the state of Kansas are preparing for their annual Independence Day celebrations. Families are packing up items for road trips. Others are planning for get-togethers. Whatever your plans are for the July 4 holiday, the Kansas Highway Patrol is wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July. There are things for people of all ages to take into account to improve their safety during Independence Day weekend.
Holiday weekends bring extra travelers to the roads, and it’s always important that you are cautious and practice defensive driving. Extreme weather can be harsh on vehicles. You should ensure that your car is adequately prepared and serviced for the trip. There are some things a driver can easily check to help ensure a safer trip: engine air filter, windshield washer fluid, tire pressure, tire tread, battery, engine coolant, and windshield wiper blades. Identify repair shops that are near where you are traveling, in the event you have a problem, you will know where to go. Additionally, you should check your route of travel ahead of time for current road work and other problems you may encounter. To check roadwork in Kansas and other states, go to: www.kandrive.org. If you should need assistance while you are on a highway in Kansas, you can dial *HP (*47) from a cell phone to reach the Highway Patrol, or *KTA (*582) for the Kansas Turnpike Authority.
Holiday celebrations are often paired with drinking. It’s imperative to ensure you have a sober designated driver beforehand if you will be consuming alcoholic beverages at any party or event. If you do plan to drive, make sure you don’t drink, and take plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives with you. Law enforcement will be working the road this holiday weekend, and will be strictly enforcing the DUI laws. If you feel “buzzed,” don’t risk it, find a sober ride home instead.
The consequences of impaired driving can affect you for the rest of your life. You can injure or kill yourself or others if you drive impaired. Oftentimes, innocent motorists die at the hands of an impaired driver. Always use a sober designated driver or don’t consume alcoholic beverages and drive.
During the 2008 4th of July reporting period (78 hours-Running from 6:00 p.m. Thurs., July 3, until 12:00 midnight Sun., July 6), there were two fatal crashes, both of which were alcohol-related. Two people were killed in those crashes. There were 425 total crashes that weekend, 128 of which were injury crashes (207 people injured). There were 41 total alcohol-related crashes, which injured 32 people.
With a busy holiday weekend on the roads, its important motorists remember, and adhere to Kansas occupant protection laws. With the passage of Kansas’ new primary seatbelt law, all vehicle occupants are required to be buckled up, and children are required to be in the proper child safety seats. Drivers can now be pulled over if either them, their front seat passengers, or children are not properly restrained.
Holiday weekends bring extra travelers to the roads, and it’s always important that you are cautious and practice defensive driving. Extreme weather can be harsh on vehicles. You should ensure that your car is adequately prepared and serviced for the trip. There are some things a driver can easily check to help ensure a safer trip: engine air filter, windshield washer fluid, tire pressure, tire tread, battery, engine coolant, and windshield wiper blades. Identify repair shops that are near where you are traveling, in the event you have a problem, you will know where to go. Additionally, you should check your route of travel ahead of time for current road work and other problems you may encounter. To check roadwork in Kansas and other states, go to: www.kandrive.org. If you should need assistance while you are on a highway in Kansas, you can dial *HP (*47) from a cell phone to reach the Highway Patrol, or *KTA (*582) for the Kansas Turnpike Authority.
Holiday celebrations are often paired with drinking. It’s imperative to ensure you have a sober designated driver beforehand if you will be consuming alcoholic beverages at any party or event. If you do plan to drive, make sure you don’t drink, and take plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives with you. Law enforcement will be working the road this holiday weekend, and will be strictly enforcing the DUI laws. If you feel “buzzed,” don’t risk it, find a sober ride home instead.
The consequences of impaired driving can affect you for the rest of your life. You can injure or kill yourself or others if you drive impaired. Oftentimes, innocent motorists die at the hands of an impaired driver. Always use a sober designated driver or don’t consume alcoholic beverages and drive.
During the 2008 4th of July reporting period (78 hours-Running from 6:00 p.m. Thurs., July 3, until 12:00 midnight Sun., July 6), there were two fatal crashes, both of which were alcohol-related. Two people were killed in those crashes. There were 425 total crashes that weekend, 128 of which were injury crashes (207 people injured). There were 41 total alcohol-related crashes, which injured 32 people.
With a busy holiday weekend on the roads, its important motorists remember, and adhere to Kansas occupant protection laws. With the passage of Kansas’ new primary seatbelt law, all vehicle occupants are required to be buckled up, and children are required to be in the proper child safety seats. Drivers can now be pulled over if either them, their front seat passengers, or children are not properly restrained.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Harvest Season Requires Special Attention From Motorists
The wheat has turned in much of the state, and although we’ve had a lot of rain the past week, harvest will soon be underway. Living in a state where farming is a staple in our economy, all travelers need to be aware of increased farm implement and farm vehicle traffic on Kansas roads in the coming weeks.
Each year around this time, troopers and other officers are called to the scene of crashes involving farm implements and other vehicles. Oftentimes, it’s a matter of another vehicle not stopping in time before striking a farm implement. These crashes can be very bad, with severe injuries, and in some unfortunate instances—fatalities. One of the main things to remember in dealing with these crashes is that many are preventable. If drivers slow down, pay attention, and keep in mind the special requirements of farm vehicles, they can keep themselves, their passengers, and the farmers safe during this year’s harvest.
Last week, we issued a press release with some important safety tips for motorists sharing the road with farmers, and because of their importance and safety benefits, please take a few moments to review these tips.
• Don’t assume the farmer knows you’re there. Most operators of farm equipment regularly check for vehicles behind them, however most of their time must be spent looking ahead to keep the equipment safely on the road and to watch for oncoming traffic. Farm vehicles are also extremely loud, often hindering the farmer’s ability to hear your vehicle.
• Pass with extreme caution. Do not pass a farm implement unless you can see clearly ahead of both your vehicle and the farm equipment you are passing. If there are any curves or hills blocking your view of oncoming traffic, wait to pass until you can clearly visualize the area you’re passing in. Another important thing to remember is that you should not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone,” even if you are stuck behind a farm vehicle. Do not pass if you are within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel.
• Allow extra room when following farm equipment. With slow moving vehicles, a passenger vehicle can close in on the empty space much more quickly than you close in on a regular vehicle. Just because a farm vehicle pulls to the right side of the road does not mean it is turning right or allowing you to pass. Due to the size of some farm equipment, the farmer must execute wide left turns, so when following a farm implement, allow it plenty of room and time to turn, and be alert to the surroundings to see if there might be a driveway or field they are turning into.
• Be patient. Don’t assume that a farmer can move aside to let you pass. Shoulders may be soft, wet, or steep, which can cause the farm vehicle to tip, or the shoulder may not support the weight of a heavy farm vehicle. The farmer understands you are being delayed and he or she will move over for you to pass at the first safe location available.
• Think of the slow moving vehicle emblem as a warning to adjust your speed. When you see the slow moving vehicle emblem, you should immediately slow down. While the emblems are visible from a long distance away, it is often difficult to judge the speed at which you are closing in on a vehicle, especially at night.
• Pay attention. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by the radio, cell phones, other electronic devices, or anything else while you are driving. When you are not focused on the road, you increase your chances of a collision, especially if you should come upon a slow moving farm vehicle.
• Always wear seatbelts and use child safety seats. This is the best defense against injury and death should you be involved in a motor vehicle crash.
Each year around this time, troopers and other officers are called to the scene of crashes involving farm implements and other vehicles. Oftentimes, it’s a matter of another vehicle not stopping in time before striking a farm implement. These crashes can be very bad, with severe injuries, and in some unfortunate instances—fatalities. One of the main things to remember in dealing with these crashes is that many are preventable. If drivers slow down, pay attention, and keep in mind the special requirements of farm vehicles, they can keep themselves, their passengers, and the farmers safe during this year’s harvest.
Last week, we issued a press release with some important safety tips for motorists sharing the road with farmers, and because of their importance and safety benefits, please take a few moments to review these tips.
• Don’t assume the farmer knows you’re there. Most operators of farm equipment regularly check for vehicles behind them, however most of their time must be spent looking ahead to keep the equipment safely on the road and to watch for oncoming traffic. Farm vehicles are also extremely loud, often hindering the farmer’s ability to hear your vehicle.
• Pass with extreme caution. Do not pass a farm implement unless you can see clearly ahead of both your vehicle and the farm equipment you are passing. If there are any curves or hills blocking your view of oncoming traffic, wait to pass until you can clearly visualize the area you’re passing in. Another important thing to remember is that you should not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone,” even if you are stuck behind a farm vehicle. Do not pass if you are within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel.
• Allow extra room when following farm equipment. With slow moving vehicles, a passenger vehicle can close in on the empty space much more quickly than you close in on a regular vehicle. Just because a farm vehicle pulls to the right side of the road does not mean it is turning right or allowing you to pass. Due to the size of some farm equipment, the farmer must execute wide left turns, so when following a farm implement, allow it plenty of room and time to turn, and be alert to the surroundings to see if there might be a driveway or field they are turning into.
• Be patient. Don’t assume that a farmer can move aside to let you pass. Shoulders may be soft, wet, or steep, which can cause the farm vehicle to tip, or the shoulder may not support the weight of a heavy farm vehicle. The farmer understands you are being delayed and he or she will move over for you to pass at the first safe location available.
• Think of the slow moving vehicle emblem as a warning to adjust your speed. When you see the slow moving vehicle emblem, you should immediately slow down. While the emblems are visible from a long distance away, it is often difficult to judge the speed at which you are closing in on a vehicle, especially at night.
• Pay attention. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by the radio, cell phones, other electronic devices, or anything else while you are driving. When you are not focused on the road, you increase your chances of a collision, especially if you should come upon a slow moving farm vehicle.
• Always wear seatbelts and use child safety seats. This is the best defense against injury and death should you be involved in a motor vehicle crash.
Friday, June 4, 2010
2010 Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run Kicks Off Special Olympics Summer Games
The 2010 Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is underway! The Special Olympics Torch, or the Flame of Hope, has passed through many Kansas communities on its way to the 40th Annual Special Olympics Kansas Summer Games in Wichita June 4-6. Special Olympics is an international, year-round program of sports training, education, and athletic competition for more than one million children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a series of statewide runs that travel throughout the state during a week-long journey, culminating in Wichita for the annual Special Olympics Kansas Summer Games. This year’s Torch Run began in all four corners of the state and ran from May 22 - June 4. Torchbearers relay the "Flame of Hope" as they travel to the Summer Games. The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in Wichita in 1981 with six runners, and has grown to an international program that involves thousands of law enforcement personnel raising millions of dollars annually to benefit Special Olympics programs in the United States and abroad. A special thanks goes to everyone who came come out and cheered on their local law enforcement officers as they passed through the streets of their communities carrying the Flame of Hope.
Multiple Kansas agencies from all levels of law enforcement have put in countless hours of preparation for the annual Torch Run. Preliminary numbers from Special Olympics Kansas indicate that several hundred law enforcement participants will have carried the torch over 1,000 miles across Kansas. The Flame was carried by runners, walkers, bicyclists, and horseback riders. Kansas Law enforcement officers volunteer hundreds of hours each year, and in 2009, raised more than $353,000 in support of Special Olympics Kansas programs. This remarkable feat was accomplished by holding numerous fundraisers, including the statewide torch run, special events (i.e. Polar Plunge, truck convoy), sponsorships, and donations.
The fundraising goal for the 2010 Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run is $385,000.00. That goal appears within reach. Nationally, officers raised $35 million in 2009, making the Law Enforcement Torch Run the Special Olympics’ largest grass-roots fundraiser and public relations vehicle.
Please join me in recognizing the fine efforts of the many men and women in Kansas law enforcement for their efforts in supporting, and touching the lives of over 5,580 Kansas Special Olympic athletes who train and compete year-round in 22 various sporting events. Through their efforts and the partnership with Special Olympics Kansas, these athletes are given the opportunity to improve physical fitness, acquire new skills, develop lifelong friendships, and encourage widespread community understanding and acceptance.
I would also like to wish the best of luck to all athletes competing in the Special Olympics Kansas Summer Games this weekend in Wichita! Their spirit, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship is something many can learn a lesson from.
For more information on Special Olympics Kansas, go to: http://www.ksso.org/.
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a series of statewide runs that travel throughout the state during a week-long journey, culminating in Wichita for the annual Special Olympics Kansas Summer Games. This year’s Torch Run began in all four corners of the state and ran from May 22 - June 4. Torchbearers relay the "Flame of Hope" as they travel to the Summer Games. The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in Wichita in 1981 with six runners, and has grown to an international program that involves thousands of law enforcement personnel raising millions of dollars annually to benefit Special Olympics programs in the United States and abroad. A special thanks goes to everyone who came come out and cheered on their local law enforcement officers as they passed through the streets of their communities carrying the Flame of Hope.
Multiple Kansas agencies from all levels of law enforcement have put in countless hours of preparation for the annual Torch Run. Preliminary numbers from Special Olympics Kansas indicate that several hundred law enforcement participants will have carried the torch over 1,000 miles across Kansas. The Flame was carried by runners, walkers, bicyclists, and horseback riders. Kansas Law enforcement officers volunteer hundreds of hours each year, and in 2009, raised more than $353,000 in support of Special Olympics Kansas programs. This remarkable feat was accomplished by holding numerous fundraisers, including the statewide torch run, special events (i.e. Polar Plunge, truck convoy), sponsorships, and donations.
The fundraising goal for the 2010 Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run is $385,000.00. That goal appears within reach. Nationally, officers raised $35 million in 2009, making the Law Enforcement Torch Run the Special Olympics’ largest grass-roots fundraiser and public relations vehicle.
Please join me in recognizing the fine efforts of the many men and women in Kansas law enforcement for their efforts in supporting, and touching the lives of over 5,580 Kansas Special Olympic athletes who train and compete year-round in 22 various sporting events. Through their efforts and the partnership with Special Olympics Kansas, these athletes are given the opportunity to improve physical fitness, acquire new skills, develop lifelong friendships, and encourage widespread community understanding and acceptance.
I would also like to wish the best of luck to all athletes competing in the Special Olympics Kansas Summer Games this weekend in Wichita! Their spirit, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship is something many can learn a lesson from.
For more information on Special Olympics Kansas, go to: http://www.ksso.org/.
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Memorial Day Holiday Activity
The Memorial Day holiday weekend marks the beginning of the summer travel season for people across the nation. Last weekend, the Patrol and other law enforcement personnel from throughout the state worked to help ensure motorists reached their destinations safely. The Patrol’s preliminary figures from the holiday weekend activity are in, and for the Memorial Day 2010 holiday reporting period (6:00 p.m. Fri., May 28 until 11:59 p.m. Mon., May 31), the Patrol worked no fatality crashes on Kansas roads.
Over the holiday, troopers reported the following:
• Total Fatal Crashes 0
• Total Fatalities 0
• DUI-Related Crashes 4
• DUI-Related Fatalities 0
• DUI Arrests 43
• Speed Citations 1,336
• Speed Warnings 1,387
• Adult Seatbelt Citations 154
• Adult Seatbelt Warnings 104
• Teen Seatbelt Citations 7
• Teen Seatbelt Warnings 0
• Child Restraint Citations 57
• Child Restraint Warnings 8
• Motorists Assisted 1,280
This is KHP data only, not results for all law enforcement in the state.
Also during the holiday weekend, members of the Patrol participated in the Special Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), sponsored by KDOT. The Memorial Day STEP campaign is the Click It or Ticket mobilization, with the principal focus being adult and teen seatbelt use, and child restraint. STEP campaigns are conducted during high-volume travel holidays in an effort to help reduce the number of impaired drivers on the roads, encourage safety restraint use, and promote safe driving habits.
Over the holiday, troopers reported the following:
• Total Fatal Crashes 0
• Total Fatalities 0
• DUI-Related Crashes 4
• DUI-Related Fatalities 0
• DUI Arrests 43
• Speed Citations 1,336
• Speed Warnings 1,387
• Adult Seatbelt Citations 154
• Adult Seatbelt Warnings 104
• Teen Seatbelt Citations 7
• Teen Seatbelt Warnings 0
• Child Restraint Citations 57
• Child Restraint Warnings 8
• Motorists Assisted 1,280
This is KHP data only, not results for all law enforcement in the state.
Also during the holiday weekend, members of the Patrol participated in the Special Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), sponsored by KDOT. The Memorial Day STEP campaign is the Click It or Ticket mobilization, with the principal focus being adult and teen seatbelt use, and child restraint. STEP campaigns are conducted during high-volume travel holidays in an effort to help reduce the number of impaired drivers on the roads, encourage safety restraint use, and promote safe driving habits.
Friday, May 28, 2010
KHP Wishes For Safe Memorial Day Weekend Travels
Memorial Day weekend has arrived, marking the beginning of the summer travel season for many people nationwide. Together with our traffic safety partners, the Kansas Highway Patrol is hoping for safe travels for everyone this busy holiday weekend. There are some key things to remember before you get in your cars and hit the roads, though.
Widely celebrated, with people traveling to lakes, barbecues, and other destinations and events, holiday weekends lend themselves to the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Before you start your festivities, it’s vital you ensure you have a safe way to get home at the end of your celebration. Either identify a designated driver, who will stay sober, or do not drink. Impaired driving is risky for everyone on the roads—drivers, passengers, and innocent motorists in other vehicles. During the 78-hour reporting period for the Memorial Day weekend in 2008, there were four fatal crashes that killed four people in Kansas. Of those fatal crashes, half of them were alcohol-related (two crashes that killed two people). In all, there were 43 alcohol-related crashes, in which 41 people were injured. Do your part to help keep others safe, and NEVER drink and drive.
Law enforcement agencies nationwide are in the midst of the Click It or Ticket campaign. Annually, we participate in this campaign because of the life-saving benefits provided when seatbelts are worn. They are your best defense should you be involved in a collision. Equally important is ensuring children are buckled up or secured in the proper child safety seats. Safe Kids Kansas provides information on child safety seats on their website: www.safekidskansas.com/child_passenger.html#childPassengerLaws. Regardless of age, the driver and front seat passenger in a vehicle must be buckled up. Any person under the age of 18 is also required by Kansas law to use their seatbelt.
Lastly, before you hit the road for a trip, you should make sure you are prepared and your vehicle is in proper working order. Has your vehicle be serviced recently? There are some things a driver can easily check to help ensure a safer trip: engine air filter, windshield washer fluid, tire pressure, tire tread, battery, and windshield wiper blades. Identify repair shops that are near where you are traveling, that way, if you have a problem, you know where to go. Additionally, you should check your route of travel ahead of time for current road work and other problems you may encounter. To check roadwork in Kansas and other states, go to: www.kandrive.org. Should you need assistance while on a Kansas highway, the Kansas Highway Patrol can be reached at *47 (*HP), and the Kansas Turnpike Authority can be reached at *582 (*KTA). For information on road conditions, dial 511.
To all Kansas residents and travelers, have a safe and enjoyable weekend!
Widely celebrated, with people traveling to lakes, barbecues, and other destinations and events, holiday weekends lend themselves to the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Before you start your festivities, it’s vital you ensure you have a safe way to get home at the end of your celebration. Either identify a designated driver, who will stay sober, or do not drink. Impaired driving is risky for everyone on the roads—drivers, passengers, and innocent motorists in other vehicles. During the 78-hour reporting period for the Memorial Day weekend in 2008, there were four fatal crashes that killed four people in Kansas. Of those fatal crashes, half of them were alcohol-related (two crashes that killed two people). In all, there were 43 alcohol-related crashes, in which 41 people were injured. Do your part to help keep others safe, and NEVER drink and drive.
Law enforcement agencies nationwide are in the midst of the Click It or Ticket campaign. Annually, we participate in this campaign because of the life-saving benefits provided when seatbelts are worn. They are your best defense should you be involved in a collision. Equally important is ensuring children are buckled up or secured in the proper child safety seats. Safe Kids Kansas provides information on child safety seats on their website: www.safekidskansas.com/child_passenger.html#childPassengerLaws. Regardless of age, the driver and front seat passenger in a vehicle must be buckled up. Any person under the age of 18 is also required by Kansas law to use their seatbelt.
Lastly, before you hit the road for a trip, you should make sure you are prepared and your vehicle is in proper working order. Has your vehicle be serviced recently? There are some things a driver can easily check to help ensure a safer trip: engine air filter, windshield washer fluid, tire pressure, tire tread, battery, and windshield wiper blades. Identify repair shops that are near where you are traveling, that way, if you have a problem, you know where to go. Additionally, you should check your route of travel ahead of time for current road work and other problems you may encounter. To check roadwork in Kansas and other states, go to: www.kandrive.org. Should you need assistance while on a Kansas highway, the Kansas Highway Patrol can be reached at *47 (*HP), and the Kansas Turnpike Authority can be reached at *582 (*KTA). For information on road conditions, dial 511.
To all Kansas residents and travelers, have a safe and enjoyable weekend!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Motorcycle Safety Important All Year For All Motorists
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to promoting motorcycle safety, reducing injuries and fatalities involving motorcycles, stressing the importance of defensive driving and sharing the road with motorcycles.
In the past few years, Kansas has experienced an increase in motorcycle registrations. With additional motorcycles on the roads, passenger vehicle drivers and motorcycle operators must share the responsibility of driving defensively and with the level of awareness necessary to ensure the safety of all motorists.
In 2008, motorcycles were involved in nearly 9% of all fatal accidents in Kansas. While the total number of crashes and fatalities in the state is decreasing, the number of motorcycle crashes is increasing. In 1998, there were 19 fatalities, and 546 injuries involving motorcycle operators/riders. In 2008, there were 45 fatalities, and 1,086 injuries involving motorcycle operators/riders.
Motorcyclists can increase their safety by wearing the proper protective gear, including helmets. They should also abide by Kansas traffic laws. Passing on the shoulders, driving in between cars, and speeding have all been the cause of some very serious and fatal traffic crashes involving motorcycles.
Likewise, drivers of passenger vehicles have an obligation to ensure the safety of motorcyclists when sharing the roads with them. Because motorcycles are lower-profile vehicles, it is sometimes hard to see them. Blind spots should always be checked for motorcycles, because they are hard to see, especially in a vehicle’s blind spot. Remember, motorcycles have the same rights and privileges as other vehicles on the roads.
Kansas travelers should unite, not just this month, but throughout the year to increase the safety of all travelers, regardless of their mode of transportation.
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
In the past few years, Kansas has experienced an increase in motorcycle registrations. With additional motorcycles on the roads, passenger vehicle drivers and motorcycle operators must share the responsibility of driving defensively and with the level of awareness necessary to ensure the safety of all motorists.
In 2008, motorcycles were involved in nearly 9% of all fatal accidents in Kansas. While the total number of crashes and fatalities in the state is decreasing, the number of motorcycle crashes is increasing. In 1998, there were 19 fatalities, and 546 injuries involving motorcycle operators/riders. In 2008, there were 45 fatalities, and 1,086 injuries involving motorcycle operators/riders.
Motorcyclists can increase their safety by wearing the proper protective gear, including helmets. They should also abide by Kansas traffic laws. Passing on the shoulders, driving in between cars, and speeding have all been the cause of some very serious and fatal traffic crashes involving motorcycles.
Likewise, drivers of passenger vehicles have an obligation to ensure the safety of motorcyclists when sharing the roads with them. Because motorcycles are lower-profile vehicles, it is sometimes hard to see them. Blind spots should always be checked for motorcycles, because they are hard to see, especially in a vehicle’s blind spot. Remember, motorcycles have the same rights and privileges as other vehicles on the roads.
Kansas travelers should unite, not just this month, but throughout the year to increase the safety of all travelers, regardless of their mode of transportation.
Do you have questions or suggestions? If so, please send them via e-mail to: KSHighwayPatrol@khp.ks.gov.
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