Officials warn drivers about holiday dangers

The Fort Scott Tribune

As drivers begin making long distant trips to various Thanksgiving get-togethers, law enforcement officers will be out in full-force to ensure passengers arrive safely to each destination.

According to a press release from the Fort Scott Police Department, FSPD is joining forces with other law enforcement agencies across the state to participate in the Kansas Thanksgiving Traffic Enforcement Mobilization project. The safety event, which begins on Nov. 24 and runs through Nov. 30, will make it possible for more officers to be on duty during this high-traffic time.

"Underwritten by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation, more officers will be out on the streets and highways to aggressively enforce Kansas traffic laws," a passage of the press release read. "They will be especially alert for impaired drivers and children, teens and adults who are not buckled up."

According to the press release, impaired driving can impact the lives of anyone near a vehicle being driven by someone who is in an impaired state.

"In Kansas, nearly six persons every day -- most of them innocent -- are killed or injured in alcohol-related crashes," the press release said.

The same program conducted last year resulted in 110 traffic stops and 92 citations for safety belt and various traffic law violations. Law enforcement agencies are making a big push to decrease the amount of impaired drivers who are on the road.

"Almost 18,000 DWI (Driving while intoxicated) arrests were made last year in Kansas," according to the press release, " and great efforts are being made at all levels of government to increase both the number of arrests and the number of convictions."

According to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, www.madd.org, efforts of law enforcement officers are beginning to pay off as the number of deaths due to drunk-driving crashes has decreased through the last two years. In 2006, 13,491 drunk-driving related fatalities occurred in the United States. That number decreased to just under 13,000 in 2007.

Lack of seat belt usage will also be on the list of violations local officers will be watching for during the week. According to the press release, refusal to use a seat belt restraint can cause serious injury or death.

"Failure to buckle up is also responsible for needless death and maiming," the press release said. "Those who do not buckle up are about 12 times more likely to be killed and almost twice as likely to suffer injury as those who do buckle up. Hidden by these statistics is the fact that injuries suffered by those who are unbuckles are likely to be much more severe and disabling than those suffered when an occupant is restrained."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, www.nhtsa.gov, seat belt usage through the last several years has played a major role in saving the lives of many motorists.

"The use of seat belts in motor vehicles saved an estimated 15,383 lives in 2006," NHYSA said. "Seat belts have saved over 75,000 lives during the five-year period from 2002 through 2006."

FSPD Lt. Travis Shelton urges drivers and passengers to follow all traffic laws when traveling.

"If you are going to be drinking -- any amount -- don't consider driving home," Shelton said. "Arrange to ride with a non-drinking acquaintance. Don't let the pride or convenience associated with driving endanger your life and the lives of innocent others. Always wear your seat belt and make sure each person riding with you is restrained. It is your best defense, and it is the law. By following these simple rules, you will save lives and save your cash. If you break the law and are caught, it will cost you."Ƞ