Wednesday, December 20, 2017

#Back2Basics: Debunking common misconceptions about driving in Kansas

The driver’s license: It’s a rite of passage for new drivers. For many of them it’s a ticket to freedom. Obtaining a license potentially means that of depending on guardians, an older sibling or friend to provide transportation to a destination are a thing of the past.   

Before that license can be obtained, new drivers must go through training and testing to understand the rules of the road. 

Unfortunately, upon completion of those requirements, some drivers do not go back and reread the Kansas Driver’s Handbook. Important information and rules of the road may have been forgotten, which can have an impact on traffic behaviors.

For the next several weeks we will take a quick look at some of the misconceptions about driving. Feel free to read this blog as a reminder to yourself and share it with your loved ones.

Today’s #Back2Basics blog is about the speed limit in Kansas.



Common Misconception #1: “I can go 5-10 miles over the speed limit and I won’t get pulled over.”

Fact: According to both the Kansas Driver’s Handbook and the Kansas Highway Patrol, there is no buffer speed limit. Drivers should not exceed the posted speed limit. However, there are times when going below the speed limit may be necessary, especially during inclement weather.

 “Kansas’ basic speed law requires that you never drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing,” The Kansas Driving Handbook says, “Consider road, weather and your vehicle condition, as well as your own physical condition. What might be a reasonable speed at one time may not be reasonable at another time because of differing conditions. Adjust your driving to road, traffic and weather conditions.”

Speed Limits can vary depending on where you are.

Have you ever found yourself traveling in an unfamiliar part of the state, and you just aren’t sure what the speed limit is? Where no special hazards exist, the law sets maximum speeds for normal driving conditions. Unless otherwise posted the maximum speeds are:

  • In Towns or Cities: Thirty (30) miles per hour in any urban district
  • On Roads and Highways Outside of Towns: Seventy-five (75) miles per hour on any separated, multi-lane highway as designated and posted by the Secretary of Transportation
  • Sixty-five (65) miles per hour on any State or Federal Highway
  • Fifty-five (55) miles per hour on any County or Township road
  • Unless otherwise posted – Maximum speed limits 20 mph -School Zone (when properly marked) -Business District (when properly marked)


Common Misconception #2: I can go as slow as I want as long as I don’t exceed the speed limit.

Fact:  Slower drivers must go the speed limit too and there is such a thing as going too slow. According to the handbook, minimum speed limits also exist on some roadways. Going too slow can impede traffic and it can lead to traffic incidents. Where these minimum speed limits are posted, any speed below that is considered unlawful under normal weather, road and traffic conditions.

“Even when a minimum speed is not posted, it is unlawful to drive a vehicle so slowly as to impede or block the normal movement of traffic,” the Kansas Driver’s Handbook says. “The exception is when it is necessary for safe operation in compliance with the basic speed law.”

So, the next time you are behind the wheel, remember unless conditions call for slower driving, the posted speed limit is the speed you should be going. Remember to slow down in Work Zones and give highway workers plenty of room.

Check back next week when we discuss passing misconceptions in Kansas.
For more information, you can read the Kansas Driver’s Handbook here:


https://www.ksrevenue.org/pdf/dlhb.pdf

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