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.
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