Attorney General Steve Six reminds Kansans drivers to be attentive this winter
December 14, 2008 -- Winter is here and frigid weather and icy road conditions may make holiday travel more dangerous. Attorney General Steve Six and the Kansas State Child Death Review Board (SCDRB) ask drivers to use extra caution when traveling in winter-like conditions.
Kansas Department of Transportation reports show on average teenagers between the ages of 15-19 make up the majority of drivers involved in motor vehicle crashes (MVC) in Kansas. Unfortunately, these young drivers also account for a large number of MVC fatalities and injuries.
In reviewing MVC cases, the Board has discovered inattentive or inexperienced driving, speed, and no safety restraint use to be overwhelming risk factors contributing to crashes. On a yearly basis, the lack of use of safety restraints is documented in approximately 60% of the MVC fatality cases and inattentive or inexperience is noted in approximately 40%. Other risk factors include failure to obey traffic signals and signs, weather conditions, road surface, and alcohol or drug use.
Six asks drivers of all ages-especially novice drivers-to be attentive while driving this winter. Text messaging, using cell phones, iPOD or MP3 players, and other such devices add to the already-dangerous road conditions and should not be used. Many head-on crashes occur when drivers take their eyes off the road and cross left of center. The number of passengers should also be taken into consideration, as peers can often be a distraction for a novice driver.
Six asks that drivers obey all traffic signals, signs, and posted speed limits, and be especially mindful of hazardous road conditions during the winter months. Roads quickly become slick, even from the slightest dusting of snow. Icy bridges, over-passes, and off-ramps are particularly dangerous and are often overlooked by drivers. Being conscious of possible road hazards is a must when driving Kansas roadways in the winter.
Attentive drivers and passengers who are following the rules of the road while being buckled up will reduce the number of motor vehicle crash injuries and fatalities in Kansas.