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2009-50
PRESS RELEASE: December 22, 2009
FROM:   The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: Technical Trooper Edna Buttler (785) 296-6800

Safety During Holiday Travel Promoted

Weather conditions and increased travel make it imperative that you focus On safe driving

With Christmas this week and New Year's next week, the Kansas Highway Patrol is urging motorists to practice safety on the roadways this holiday season. More people will be traveling, impaired drivers could be encountered, and winter weather is always a threat this time of year.

Impaired drivers are dangerous any time of year, but with the winter holidays, more instances of impaired driving could occur due to Christmas and New Year's parties, and other celebrations with family and friends. Since Thanksgiving, the Patrol has displayed red ribbons on agency-owned vehicles to show the agency's zero tolerance policy toward impaired driving. The Patrol displays the red ribbons from Thanksgiving through New Year's. These ribbons also memorialize the lives lost due to alcohol-related tragedies.

During Christmas 2008 there were:

  • 698 total crashes
  • 143 injury crashes
  • 1 fatal crash
  • 45 alcohol-related crashes
  • 15 alcohol-related injury crashes

During New Year's 2007/2008 there were:

  • 689 total crashes
  • 143 injury crashes
  • 4 fatal crashes
  • 47 alcohol-related crashes
  • 15 alcohol-related injury crashes
  • 2 alcohol-related fatal crashes

Winter weather can create substantial problems on the highways throughout the winter months. This presents a challenge for motorists trying to travel through the holiday season. KDOT recently unveiled their new KanDrive travel information portal, which can be accessed at: www.KanDrive.org. Drivers will still be able to access 511 for road conditions, closures, work zones, and weather information.

Motorists can also contribute to a safer traveling experience by using the following tips:

  • Prepare your vehicle for winter travel by replacing your wiper blades, ensuring your tires have good tread, and checking your vehicle's fluids, exhaust system, and other mechanical equipment.
  • Clean frost and snow off all windows, mirrors, and lights, and use your headlights for visibility.
  • Accelerate and brake gently, and increase your following distance between you and other vehicles in adverse weather.
  • Steer in the direction you want to go if your vehicle loses traction and begins to slide.
  • Allow for more time when traveling to and from work, home, school, or other activities.
  • Always wear your seat belt, and properly secure children in the appropriate safety seats.
  • Do not use cruise control when you are traveling in wet or snowy conditions.
  • If you're involved in a non-injury crash that involves non-hazardous materials, if it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the lane of traffic to protect yourself as well as other motorists.