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Increased enforcement planned for Thanksgiving holiday: Make safety a priority
KHP patch

Before the turkey hits the oven, thousands of travelers will hit the road to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and family. Traffic greatly increases during this time, and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) and Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) urge drivers and passengers to buckle up and put phones down.   

During the Thanksgiving holiday last year, three people were killed and another 193 were injured in Kansas traffic crashes, according to KDOT statistics.  

“Seat belts are the best defense in a crash,” said Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “Before leaving the driveway, all drivers should check that everyone is buckled or in proper safety seats and put their phones down.”  

Drivers can expect an increased law enforcement presence on Kansas roads during the national safety campaign, Thanksgiving Safe Arrival, which runs from Nov. 22-29. 

“KHP, along with law enforcement agencies across the state, will be on roadways enforcing Kansas’ traffic and occupant protection laws,” said KHP Superintendent Colonel Erik Smith. “Remember, seat belts are the best defense against impaired and distracted drivers. No matter how long or short your drive, it’s critical that drivers and passengers Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time.”  

The KTA is also preparing for heavier Thanksgiving travel.  

“Our crews work hard to keep the Turnpike safe, but the most important safety action is the one you control—fasten your seat belt. Before you hit the road, buckle up and drive alertly,” said Andrew Arola, KTA’s Director of Roadway Maintenance and Facilities. 

Before traveling, KDOT, KHP and KTA encourage motorists to check the vehicle’s tires and fluid levels and carry a basic winter travel kit in case of emergency. Items to include are: blankets; bottled water; non-perishable food; a small shovel/bag of sand or cat litter; cell phone charger; ice scraper; jumper cables; flashlight and fresh batteries; first-aid kit 

For more information on seat belt safety, visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/seat-belt-safety. For current road conditions and traffic information before you leave, kandrive.gov or call 511. Visit Drive To Zero | Kansas Department Of Transportation to learn more about the state’s initiatives to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes.