The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies will be involved in a special traffic enforcement effort over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
The Kansas Department of Transportation has announced a Thanksgiving Safe Arrival campaign, with drivers and passengers urged to use their seat belts.
The Kansas Highway Patrol has tips for Thanksgiving travel:
- Plan your travel route and communicate this to your family in case you are involved in a crash or experience mechanical problems with your vehicle.
- Make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Check tires’ tread depth and air pressure, vehicle fluids, and mechanical equipment including the exhaust system.
- When you leave, start with a full tank of gas and a fully charged phone.
- Dress for the weather. If you plan to travel in cold weather, make sure you have a coat in the vehicle and warm shoes.
- The vehicle should also be stocked with beneficial items such as bottled water, blankets, non-perishable food, first aid kit and a flashlight with extra batteries.
- We are in the peak time for car-deer crashes. Watch for deer, and if you see one, remember they seldom travel alone.
- Visit Kandrive.org before you leave to check road conditions and/or construction work or other delays along your route. Motorists without internet access can dial 5-1-1 from any phone to check road conditions through the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) 511 Road Condition Hotline.
- Always MOVE OVER for first responders and highway maintenance crews. If you are unable to MOVE OVER, then please SLOW DOWN.
- Ensure everyone in your vehicle is using their seat belt and/or appropriately fitted child safety seat.
- Arrange for a designated driver or use a ride share service if you will be consuming alcohol. Do not drive impaired, and do not let your family or friends drive while impaired. If you are hosting a party, provide non-alcoholic drink alternatives for designated drivers.
