City of Derby News Release
Thanksgiving Traffic Enforcement Mobilization
November 15, 2007
The Derby Police Department, along with other area police agencies, is participating in the Kansas Thanksgiving Traffic Enforcement Mobilization the week of November 19-25. Underwritten by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation, additional officers will be on streets and highways to aggressively enforce Kansas traffic laws. They will be especially alert for impaired drivers and those who are not buckled up.
Impaired driving endangers everyone. In Kansas, nearly six people a day are killed or injured in alcohol-related crashes. Not only do impaired drivers endanger others, but in accidents drivers and passengers are over two times more likely to be killed or injured than in a non alcohol-related crash. Nearly 18,000 DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) arrests were made in 2006 in Kansas, and great efforts are being made at all levels of government to increase both the number of arrests and the number of convictions.
“If you are going to be drinking any amount, don’t consider driving home,” said Derby Police Lt. Jimmy Queen. “Arrange to ride with a non-drinking acquaintance. Don’t let pride or the convenience of driving yourself endanger your life and the lives of other innocent people.”
Failure to buckle up is also responsible for needless death and injury. Those who do not buckle up are 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 not buckled up are likely to be more severe and disabling than those suffered when an occupant is restrained.
Lt. Queen also advises motorists to always wear their seatbelt and make sure each person riding with them is restrained – it is your best defense, and it’s the law. By following these simple rules, you will save lives and avoid heartache.
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