NEWS RELEASE: November 24, 2008
FROM: The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: Technical Trooper Edna Buttler (785) 296-6800
Patrol Stepping Up Enforcement Efforts for Thanksgiving Travel
The Kansas Highway Patrol, along with local law enforcement agencies throughout the state, will be participating in the Kansas Thanksgiving Enforcement Campaign, from November 24-30. This Special Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) funded project, is made available by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and intended to minimize traffic-related injuries and fatalities.
The Patrol and other agencies will focus on impaired drivers, child passenger safety laws, and on seat belt use among travelers of all ages. Because of the STEP campaign funding, there will be more troopers, deputies, and police officers on the streets and highways during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday period, when travel increases in Kansas and across the nation.
"The Thanksgiving holiday is supposed to be just that…a day of thanksgiving for all of our blessings. Hopefully with the partnering of agencies, we can keep our roads safe and prevent crashes," Patrol Superintendent Colonel Terry Maple said. "It is the Kansas Highway Patrol's obligation to make your safety our top priority as you travel to visit friends and family this week. Please join us in this mission by obeying the law, and driving safely throughout your holiday travels."
Travel can be made safer by allowing extra time to get to your destination, checking the road conditions before leaving, and keeping your vehicle's maintenance up to date. Always use your seatbelt, no matter what distance you are traveling. Seatbelts are your best defense should you be involved in a collision. Updated weather and highway conditions are available by calling 511 in Kansas or 1-866-511-KDOT from out of state. On-line access to road conditions is available at
During the 2007 Thanksgiving reporting period there were 945 collisions resulting in 243 people injured, and nine deaths. Of these crashes, 58 were alcohol related, resulting in 26 injured and two deaths.