NEWS RELEASE: October 30, 2008
FROM: The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: Technical Trooper Edna Buttler (785) 296-6800
KU & KSU Team Up With Law Enforcement to Spread Safety Message
In an effort to curb preventable traffic crashes, the Kansas Highway Patrol is increasing traffic enforcement in Lawrence this weekend to remove impaired drivers from the road and enforce occupant protection laws and other serious violations. The Patrol's RAVE (Roving Aggressive Violation Enforcement) team will be in Lawrence on Saturday, November 1. With the University of Kansas and Kansas State University football teams competing in the Sunflower Showdown on Saturday, there will be an increase in the amount of traffic traveling into and out of Lawrence throughout the weekend.
"We appreciate the Highway Patrol looking out for our fans and we certainly hope all of our fans drive responsibly and arrive at the game and then back home safely,"said Jim Marchiony, Associate Athletic Director at the University of Kansas.
Motorists traveling in and around Lawrence both preceding and following the sold-out KU-KSU football game will notice an increased Patrol presence. Extra troopers will be working in the Lawrence area in a proactive effort to combat a recent rash of serious and fatal crashes that have occurred on K-10 Highway.
"We are anticipating a very exciting weekend in Lawrence with this year's Sunflower Showdown and are appreciative of the extra precautions taken by the Highway Patrol to ensure safety for all travelers, including the contingent of Wildcat fans making the trip,"said Kenny Lannou, Kansas State University Sports Information Director.
Three crashes have claimed four lives since October 20 on K-10 in the Lawrence vicinity. Area officials, as well as law enforcement, have yet to determine the causes of these crashes, each of which has involved a nearly head-on collision. Caution is being urged for motorists who routinely travel this busy highway as well.
Chief Ralph Oliver of the KU Public Safety Office urges all fans to celebrate responsibly by designating a sober driver before leaving home. In addition, Oliver advises fans to "Leave a little earlier to allow plenty of time to arrive at the game safe and on time," Oliver said.
Law enforcement would like to remind motorists that delays can be expected with the road work on the West Lawrence interchange on Interstate 70 (Plaza 202). Eastbound traffic on the Turnpike coming from the west can exit at Plaza 197 (LeCompton), Plaza 202 (West Lawrence), or Plaza 204 (East Lawrence). Westbound traffic has to exit at Plaza 204 or Plaza 197, they can not exit at Plaza 202. Traffic entering the Turnpike from Lawrence can not enter and go west at Plaza 202. Drivers need to go to Plaza 197 or Plaza 204 to travel west. Drivers can enter eastbound at Plaza 202 or any of the other plazas. Crashes can happen quickly when drivers don't slow down and drive attentively. Practice caution and courtesy, and be conscientious of other vehicles, as well as highway workers.
"Fans need to make sure they leave in plenty of time to arrive at the game. With one of the I-70 exits closed, there will be a lot of increased traffic on K-10 and US-40 highways, " said Chief Ronnie Grice, KSU Police. "Please be careful, mindful, and respectful of other drivers. If you are going to drink, designate a sober driver ahead of time. This is a time for rivalry, not loss of life. Make it to the game and then back home safely."
Sheriff Ken McGovern welcomes visitors to Douglas County and reminds all motorists to "plan ahead for road construction and congestion on game day. Drive for safety, the price of a crash is always high."
In a safety initiative aimed at saving lives and decreasing crash-causing violations, the Kansas Department of Transportation is providing funding for additional patrols of K-10 in the weeks to come. Motorists may see increased law enforcement presence on the K-10 corridor. Additionally, due to the recent fatal collisions on the highway, the Patrol is dedicating part of the troopers' on-duty time solely to patrolling K-10.
"As residents of Kansas celebrate the KU and K-State competition, please don't let your celebration come to an abrupt end on Kansas roadways," Patrol Superintendent, Colonel Terry Maple said. "With the added law enforcement presence in the Lawrence area on Saturday and in the weeks to come, we are hoping this ensures the safety of Jayhawk and Wildcat fans alike, as well as all motorists."