NEWS RELEASE: August 20, 2009
FROM: The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: Technical Trooper Edna Buttler (785) 296-6800
KHP Participates in Drunk Driving. Over the Limit Under Arrest Campaign
The Kansas Highway Patrol and many other law enforcement agencies will participate in the Kansas Department of Transportation's (KDOT) Special Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) from August 20 through Labor Day, September 7. Troopers will be enforcing Kansas' impaired driving and other traffic laws.
"In Kansas, too many people are injured and killed every year on our roads as a result of impaired driving collisions. The costs and consequences associated with these crashes can be overwhelming. Our agency and other agencies throughout the state have dedicated ourselves to fighting these incidents and we are committed to reducing impaired driving on our roads," said Colonel Terry Maple, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol.
In 2008, there were 3,366 alcohol-related crashes in Kansas, resulting in 1,999 injuries and 131 deaths. These preventable crashes cost almost $628 million in medical charges, property damage, lost earnings, lost household production, emergency services, travel delay, vocational rehabilitation, and workplace disruption, among others.
The Kansas Highway Patrol is among more than 100 law enforcement agencies across the state who will participate in the Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. STEP campaign. In an effort to drastically reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries that occur when alcohol is mixed with driving or riding, troopers across the state will be participating in saturation patrols and check lanes. The Patrol's Breath Alcohol Unit (BAU) will be assisting road troopers and other law enforcement agencies with the check lanes to remove impaired drivers from Kansas roads.
It is illegal in Kansas to drive or attempt to operate a motor vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Penalties for impaired driving include loss of driving privileges, fines, court costs, and possible jail time. The more severe consequences of drinking and driving include injuring or killing yourself, an occupant of your vehicle, or the occupants of another vehicle.
The Patrol suggests taking the following precautions:
- If you plan to drive, do not drink.
- If you plan to drink, designate a non-drinking driver and give that person your keys.
- Never ride with a driver who has been drinking.
- Take a list of phone numbers with you for cabs 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.
- Report impaired drivers to your local law enforcement agency.
- Always buckle up and properly secure children in their safety seats.