Kansas kids win poster/video contests, focus on improving traffic safety

Von Woleslagel of Hutchinson's poster was a statewide winner in the 11-13 year-old age group.  

Statewide winners of two contests have been announced as part of the national safety campaign Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day.

For the poster contest – Quincy Coup of Hope, Emma Kuhlman of Topeka and Von Woleslagel of Hutchinson are the statewide winners. Each student was selected as a regional winner and will receive a bicycle donated by the Kansas Turnpike Authority and a helmet donated by Safe Kids Kansas at presentations at their schools. A total of 434 Kansas kids ages 5 to 13 participated.

Emma Kuhlman of Topeka, was the statewide winner in the 8-10 year-old age group. 

As statewide winners in their age categories, they will also receive a Kindle Fire tablet from the KTA, a $50 gift card from the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association of Kansas and movie passes from AAA Kansas along with a $200 donation to the school, class or booster club. 

Quincy Coup of Hope's poster won in the 5-7 year-old age group. 

For the video contest – Students from Lansing High School won first place. They will receive first choice of an iPad, GoPro or DJI Osmo Pocket along with a $500 donation to the school, class or booster club, donated by the KTA.

Students from Eudora captured second place, and students from Shawnee Mission West High School placed third in the video contest. Each will receive one of the remaining prizes listed above. There were 35 entries from teens across the state. To see the winning videos, go to https://bit.ly/2ANyoHk

Organizations that work together on this safety campaign include the Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Turnpike Authority, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office, AAA of Kansas, Kansas Contractors Association and the Federal Highway Administration – Kansas division.

Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day is a nationwide effort to increase roadway safety and reduce all traffic fatalities. For more information and a list of all the winners across Kansas, go to www.ksdot.org and click on the Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day information.

Be prepared for Independence Day and summer travel

Summer travel is heating up across the country and many people will celebrate this holiday weekend by hitting the road and traveling to - and through - the Sunflower State. The Kansas Turnpike Authority and Kansas Highway Patrol and The Kansas Department of Transportation are partnering to remind motorists to travel safely during Independence Day, and throughout the rest of the summer.

From July 3 through July 5, KHP personnel will be working in support of the Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) enforcement, along with personnel from other states. C.A.R.E. focuses on occupant protection, impaired driving laws, and other crash-causing traffic violations. C.A.R.E.’s goal is increased safety and ease of travel on our nation’s roadways.

Being prepared for any summer travel is a big factor in keeping your trip running smoothly,” said Steve Hewitt, Kansas Turnpike Authority CEO. “For our travelers on the Turnpike, if you find yourself needing roadside assistance, our State Farm Safety Assist program is available in our busy corridors to help get you back up and running.”

Before travelers pack their cars, they can check their route for potential delays or construction with the help of KanDrive, www.kandrive.org. KanDrive includes camera images and interactive maps as well as links to rest areas and travel and tourism sites.

Smartphone users can access the site by going to www.kandrive.org and bookmarking it to your home screen so it’s ready when you need it. If users would prefer to use the text-based mobile website, it can be found at 511mm.ksdot.org.

Much of the same information can be accessed by calling 5-1-1 in Kansas or 1- 866-511-KDOT (5368) in the U.S. Before hitting the road, drivers and their passengers need to buckle up.

“Drivers need to set a good example by wearing their seat belts,” said Julie Lorenz, Kansas Secretary of Transportation.

Studies in Kansas show that if the driver is belted, about 95 percent of all other passengers in the vehicle are properly restrained.  If the driver is NOT belted, it’s only 25 percent of the other passengers.

“Seat belts save lives every day,” Lorenz said. "It is easy to do and could save your life.”

The agencies wish all of those traveling during the upcoming holiday, safe travels. If you are in need of help on a Kansas highway, you can call KHP for assistance at *47 (*HP) or *KTA (*582) for the Kansas Turnpike.

As you enjoy your summer travels and celebrate Independence Day, the agencies offer some tips to help you and your family have a blast:

• It’s hot out there so make sure your vehicle is in proper working order for the heat of summer - check fluids, tires, the air conditioning and cooling system.
• When you leave, start off with a full tank of gas and a fully charged phone.
• Plan your route of travel and check www.kandrive.org for construction, and other issues with your travel plans. The site also has links to other states’ travel information. Also give a family member your travel plans. 
• As you travel, remember to Move Over for first responders and highway maintenance crews. If you are unable to Move Over, then Slow Down.
• In case of a break down, keep emergency supplies in your car, including bottles of water, a phone charger, and non-perishable food items.
• Ensure everyone in your vehicle is using their seat belt and/or an appropriately-fitted child safety seat.
• Arrange for a designated driver ahead of time if you’ll be consuming alcohol. Do not drink and drive.
• If you’re hosting a party, have non-alcoholic drink alternatives available for designated drivers. 

Riding for those who can't - Run for the Wall passes through Kansas



Hundreds of motorcyclists are participating in the Run for the Wall on the central route to Washington, D.C. Above, the group arrives at the KTA service area east of Topeka around 9 a.m. on Monday, May 21,

for a quick stop for gas and supplies.



Above, participants line for gas during the stop at the KTA

service area east of Topeka. Below, Secretary Richard Carlson

(left) chats with one of the riders.

The 30^th annual Run for the Wall made a stop at the KTA’s Topeka service area yesterday as more than 1,600 motorcyclists are participating in the event that extends from Ontario, Calif., to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. Some are riding for a day or two, while some are riding all 10 days.

The event started on May 16 and includes three different routes across the country. About 670 are traveling on the central route, which extends through Kansas. The ride ends on May 25.

According to the website, “Founded by Vietnam Veterans, Run for the Wall recognizes the sacrifices and contributions made by all veterans who have served our nation. Veterans of recent conflicts, those currently on active duty, non-veteran supporters and patriots are especially welcome to join and ride with us, as we ride for those who can’t.”



Riders head out Monday morning to continue their trip across the country.

Emergencies happen: How to stay safe on the side of the road

During these busy summer months, you may encounter a stranded motorist on the side on the road or experience a disabled vehicle yourself. Blown tires and engine troubles are a fact of life while traveling. If you find yourself in either of these situations, the Kansas Highway Patrol has some tips to keep you safe.

If you experience a road side emergency and need to pull over do the following:

• Park your vehicle as far off the busy roadway as possible.

• Turn on your four-way emergency flashers (hazard lights).

• Stay in your vehicle until help arrives, especially at night or in inclement weather.

• If someone stops, crack your window and ask them to phone the police for assistance.

• If you must leave your vehicle along the highway, notify the police, sheriff or KHP of its location and the circumstances.

Remember, one of the best ways to prevent a roadside emergency is to maintain up-to-date maintenance on your vehicle.

What to do if you see someone who has a disabled car on the side of the road.

According to KHP, your personal safety is of utmost importance. If you see a stranded motorist on the roadside, do not stop your vehicle.

Instead, it is recommended that you call the KHP, or if you are traveling on the Kansas Turnpike, the Kansas Turnpike Authority and explain to them where you saw the stranded motorist. Here are the numbers below:

*47 to reach the Kansas Highway Patrol

*KTA (582) while on the Kansas Turnpike

If you don’t have a phone, proceed to the next gas station or rest area to reach the numbers above.

Remember: If the vehicle’s emergency flashers are on, give them room. Slow down or move over if you can to avoid injuring the motorist or crashing into their stalled vehicle.

Visit the KHP’s Motor Assist Program to learn more about staying safe in a roadside emergency.

Want to know if your travel plans will be impacted by a crash or highway construction? Visit Kandrive.org for Kansas Highway Conditions.

Share your roadside emergency stories with us in the comments. How did you stay safe?

Riding for those who can't: Run for the Wall stops in Kansas

More than 300 Run for the Wall participants enter the service area under the American and Kansas flags. 

They ride for those who can’t. The 29^th annual Run for the Wall began last week in Ontario, Calif., and more than 300 motorcyclists rolled through Kansas, making several stops along I-70. The Kansas Turnpike Authority’s Topeka  EZ-Go service area hosted riders yesterday where they were welcomed by the  KTA, Kansas ABATE chapter and KDOT and the riders were able to refuel and were given water with the  KTA donating $500 of gasoline to the riders. Check out a video of Monday's stop that also features some of the participants -

https://youtu.be/UG9zV1haKb8

The KTA donated $500 of gasoline to the riders. 

Run for the Wall recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of veterans who served our nation. According to the Run for the Wall website, www.rftw.us,  the ride promotes healing among all veterans and their loved ones.

Vietnam War Veteran Billl Zimmerman said that part of the reason for the ride is to pay respects to the Vietnam Wall and what it represents.

“It means personal feeling toward the veterans that give up their lives for the country,” Zimmerman said. 

More than 300 Run for the Wall participants stopped at the KTA service area to refuel on their journey across country. 

Dallas Hageman has participated in the Run for the Wall for 10 years and said that the ride exists to honor and recognize those who were Killed in Action, Prisoners of War, or who are Missing in Action.

“We ride for those who can’t,” Hageman said. “So up at the front of the pack we have an open spot we call, ‘The Missing Man Spot,’ and we are all there for that one guy or gal that can’t be there.”

Hageman said that while some riders are not veterans, they ride as a way to say, “thank you,” to those who have served.

 “This is the best way I have found, as a civilian, to give back a very, very small  portion of what they have given to me and that’s my freedom,” Hageman said.

A Run for the Wall participant stops at KTA's Topeka service area.

Ron Maston said that this ride also exists to provide all veterans the opportunity to get their own “welcome home.”

“We are making sure they realize that we appreciate them, that their service meant something and that we are standing behind them all the way,” Maston said.  “It’s an amazing experience for those that participate. To see the healing and the impact on our veterans as we go across the country and to see the outpouring of patriotism, which is still a very strong item in this country.” 

Ride for the Wall began in 1989 and was started by two Vietnam Veterans, James Gregory and Bill Evans, who raised awareness about the thousands of men and women who are still unaccounted for from all wars.

“We don’t give political speeches or stage demonstrations,” the website said. “RFTW gets its message to the public by riding across the United States: coast to coast. “

Bikes line up after receiving fuel before returning to the road. 

The trip is a 10-day journey consisting of three different routes. Each route will come together at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., where the Run for the Wall officially ends.  Along the way, riders are able to stop at various memorials, veteran’s hospitals, schools and parades. 

Run for the Wall riders leave KTA's Topeka service area and return to the road. 

Get out and travel this Independence Day

           If you are planning on traveling this long Independence Day weekend we want to remind you to be safe.

AAA Kansas predicts that 3.3 million people in this region will travel more than 50 miles over the holiday – the most Independence Day travelers since 2007. Kansas gas prices that are the lowest since 2005, will boost travel to a record level this year, according to Jim Hanni of AAA Kansas.  Gas prices are 44 cents or 17% lower than they were a year ago.

            KDOT and KHP safety experts caution travelers not to drink and drive. In 2014, 397 people were killed in traffic crashes throughout the nation during the Fourth of July holiday weekend and164 were alcohol-related. In 2015 in Kansas there were 417 crashes over the July 4 reporting period (6 p.m. Thursday July 2, 2015, through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2015.)  Two of those were fatality crashes and 99 were injury crashes. Of the 417 total crashes, 33 were alcohol-related.

            Law enforcement agencies from across the state will be actively watching for impaired drivers.

            “Travelers are going to take to the highway throughout the holiday weekend and we want them to take steps to make it to their destination safely,” KHP Lt. Adam Winters said. “We want people to enjoy the holiday weekend, but we want you to be safe doing so. For those planning to drink over the weekend, designate your sober driver before you celebrate. And any time you ride in a vehicle, buckle up and make sure children are in the appropriate child safety seats.”            

            Drivers can check KanDrive before leaving home for route delays and construction on www.kandrive.org. KanDrive includes camera images and interactive maps as well as links to rest areas and travel and tourism sites. KanDrive can be accessed from a smartphone.

Much of the same information can be accessed by calling 5-1-1 in Kansas or 1-

866-511-KDOT (5368) in the U.S.

Know before you go by using these services from home or in a vehicle that is parked in a safe location. If you are involved in a crash on a Kansas highway call *47 (*HP) from a cell phone for a highway patrol dispatcher or if on the Kansas Turnpike, dial *582 (*KTA) or 911. 

If you are planning on taking the Kansas Turnpike, the State Farm Safety Assist program is being expanded to provide assistance to travelers with roadside emergencies. The State Farm Safety Assist technicians are equipped with various equipment and tools prepared to help in any way they can, from assisting in tire changes, directing traffic, minor mechanical solutions and transportation to safety. All services offered are free to travelers thanks to State Farm’s sponsorship of the Kansas Turnpike’s program.