The peak of summer travel across our nation’s highways is about to begin. The Kansas Highway Patrol will be working additional hours for the next two weeks, thanks in part to funding from the Kansas Department of Transportation through the STEP (Special Traffic Enforcement Program) campaign, to help motorists reach their destinations safely. The enforcement campaign runs from Monday, May 19, through Sunday, June 1.
“Memorial Day is a celebration of the great men and women who have lost their lives serving this great country and also marks the start of summer vacation season nationwide. The KHP and all of our law enforcement partners would remind all Kansans to buckle up, Every trip, Every time,” said Lieutenant Joshua Kellerman, Patrol public information officer. “We would also remind everyone to make plans in advance for a sober driver. Law enforcement will also be out looking for those drivers who made the wrong decision to drink and drive.”
The STEP program allows officers to work overtime hours, providing extra manpower on the roads and focusing on areas such as occupant protection, enforcing impaired driving laws, and other traffic safety issues. This year’s focus of the Memorial Day STEP campaign is, “Click It or Ticket,” encouraging seatbelt/child safety seat use for occupants of all ages.
Over the 2013 Memorial Day holiday reporting period for the Patrol (KHP stats only), troopers worked three fatal crashes on Kansas’ highways. Three people were killed in those crashes, all of which were alcohol-related. There were nine total impaired driving crashes. The Patrol arrested 30 people for impaired driving. Personnel also assisted 1,176 motorists who needed help on Kansas roads.
The Patrol wishes all of those traveling during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, and throughout the summer, safe travels. If you are in need of assistance on a Kansas highway, you can call KHP for assistance at *47 (*HP) or *582 (*KTA) for the Kansas Turnpike.