KDOT starting campaign to reduce speeding

KANSAS (KSNT) - The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will be participating in a national campaign to encourage safer driving this month.

On Monday, KDOT announced it would be participating in the "Speeding Catches Up With You" national safer driving campaign. According to KDOT, the state agency will be placing speed feedback signs along select corridors. The signs will show drivers their real-time speed.

KDOT said the corridors were selected based on crash history, input from local safety partners and law enforcement availability.

“Whether you’re in a hurry or just not thinking about how fast you’re going, speeding is a choice that can have deadly consequences,” said KDOT Behavioral Safety Manager Gary Herman. “Speed limits are there for a reason - to help keep drivers, passengers and others safe.” 

According to the press release, 70 people died and more than 2,000 people were injured in crashes involving speeding last year in Kansas.

KDOT said that other risks from speeding include:

• Losing control of the vehicle more easily.  
• Reducing seatbelt effectiveness.  
• Increasing the distance needed to stop.   
• Increasing the possibility of expensive vehicle repairs or property damage. 
• Facing a greater chance of being stopped and cited by law enforcement. 

The number of tickets issued by the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) dropped sharply between 2023 and 2024. Last year, the KHP issued 680 speeding tickets. In 2023, the KHP issued 2,529 speeding tickets.

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