Written By: Press Release Posted by David Elliott
Published Date: 06-30-2023
From July 10 through 16, law enforcement across the state will participate in the Speeding Slows You Down campaign and will increase enforcement for speeding vehicles to improve traffic safety.
The Kansas Department of Transportation funds this campaign to raise awareness on the dangers of speeding and urges drivers to obey posted speeds.
“If you speed you aren’t just breaking the law,” said Vanessa Spartan, KDOT Transportation Safety Bureau Chief. “Speeding increases the odds you’ll lose control of the vehicle, reduces the effectiveness of seat belts and child safety seats, increases stopping distance, increases odds of serious injury or fatality, increases fuel consumption and costs for the driver, and increases the economic implications from speed-related crashes.”
In 2021 in Kansas, 76 people lost their lives in speed-related crashes. In addition, of the nearly 4,500 crashes attributed to speeding that year, drivers ages 15 to 29 were behind the wheel more than 50 percent of the time.
Drivers offer various reasons for speeding – such as running late, traffic congestion and a general disregard for other road users. However, speeding significantly increases both the likelihood of a crash and the crash severity, particularly affecting the time it takes to slow down the vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it takes about 221 feet to stop a vehicle traveling 50 mph. Increase the vehicle speed to 80 mph, and it takes about 460 feet to stop.
“Speed kills, which is why we encourage motorists to abide by posted speed limits,” Spartan said. “Please slow down, saving a minute or two is not worth your life or the life of others you share the road with.”
Choices made while driving can have life-altering impacts. Drivers are reminded to follow posted speed limits, obey all traffic laws and pay attention. For more information on the risks of speeding, go to https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding.
(Information courtesy KDOT.)
