Law enforcement agencies across Kansas are stepping up their patrols to target impaired drivers.
The crackdown is part of a nationwide campaign that runs through Labor Day called “You drink. You drive. You lose.”
Wichita Police and Sedgwick County Sheriff’s deputies will be out in full force to identify and stop drivers who are under the influence of alcohol.
“Drunk driving in Kansas is one of the deadliest and most often committed crimes,” said Wichita Police Deputy Chief Gavin Seiler of the Wichita Police. “Law enforcement is highly trained to identify impaired drivers and we will be out in full force to stop them. The safety of Kansans is our primary concern.”
The Kansas Department of Transportation says last year in Kansas, there were 2,291 alcohol-related crashes, with 75 fatalities and 1,300 injuries. That’s one person killed every three days, and five people injured every day in the state.
KDOT is partnering with about 150 law enforcement agencies for the initiative.
--
Follow Deborah Shaar on Twitter @deborahshaar.
To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.
