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2005-47
NEWS RELEASE:   December 12, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM:   The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT:   LT John Eichkorn 785-296-6800

Patrol and KDOT Turn on Lights for Life

Agencies encourage Kansans to take safety precautions during the holidays

The Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Department of Transportation are encouraging employees to drive agency-operated vehicles with their headlights on all day Friday, December 16 in observance of Lights on For Life. The annual event memorializes individuals who have been killed and injured in alcohol-related crashes and reminds the public of the two agencies’ zero tolerance toward impaired driving. Tragically, 116 people lost there lives in alcohol related crashes on Kansas roadways in 2004.

"I encourage all Kansans to join us in participating in Lights on For Life and taking a stand against impaired driving," said Patrol Superintendent Colonel William Seck. "Not only does daytime headlight use help to reduce the possibility of head-on collision, but 'Lights on for Life' is an easy way for everyone to spread awareness of the dangers of impaired driving."

Lights on for Life is an important safety campaign, however awareness to stop impaired driving extends beyond one day. The Patrol and KDOT urge motorists to drive safely during the Christmas and New Year's holidays as the influx of traffic during this busy time of year may bring a possibility of more fatal and serious injury crashes.

During the 2004 78-hour Christmas reporting period, there were 36 alcohol-related crashes resulting in 15 injuries and no deaths. There were 49 alcohol-related crashes during the 2004 102-hour New Year reporting period, resulting in 22 injuries and one death.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1,210 people in the United States in December 2004 were killed in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcyclist with a blood-alcohol level of .01 or higher. Of those, 1,054 had an illegal blood-alcohol level of .08 or above.

It is illegal to drive with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher in Kansas. A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) on a first offense carries mandatory 48 hours imprisonment or 100 hours of community service; a court-ordered alcohol and drug safety education or treatment program; and driver's license suspended for 30 days and restricted for 330 days. The cost of a first-time DUI could reach a minimum of $2,400, not including lost wages.

KDOT and the Patrol suggest taking the following precautions for a safer holiday celebration:

  • If you plan to drive, do not drink.
  • If you plan to drink, designate a non-drinking driver. Never ride with
    a driver who has been drinking.
  • Take a list of phone numbers with you for cabs, safe ride programs or friends to call for a sober ride home.
  • If possible, plan to spend the night at the event.
  • If you are throwing a party, provide non-alcoholic alternatives and never let guests drive drunk.
  • Always buckle your seat belt and secure children in proper child passenger safety seats.
  • Report impaired drivers to your local law enforcement agency.