Initial results indicate that the Traffic Safety Enforcement exercises conducted by the Wichita Police Department over the past week have impacted public safety with fewer car crashes occurring. Throughout the city, Officers working on the special project issued more than 300 citations and made close to 20 DUI arrests between Nov. 19 and Nov. 23.
“Overall, I believe this mobilization has enhanced traffic safety, at least for the short term. Our hopes are that eventually drivers will modify their behavior, thereby making the streets safer for everyone,” said Sgt. Rusty Leeds, Patrol North Bureau.
Kellogg continues to be a concern and will be heavily enforced over the Thanksgiving holiday, according to Sgt. Allen Wolf, Patrol East. During last week’s enforcement, one driver was clocked going 91 mph in a 40 mph zone on Kellogg.
“With the day after Thanksgiving being one of the busiest shopping days of the year, we expect a lot of traffic on Kellogg so we will be actively working Kellogg and North Rock Road,” said Sgt. Wolf. “We want drivers to obey the speed limits. What they don’t realize is, the life they save may be their own.”
The same type of focused traffic enforcement will also be occurring on West Kellogg and the other major thoroughfares in West Wichita. “We want everyone to remember to buckle up and to drive safely and courteously so they can enjoy the holidays with family and friends,” said Sgt. Jerry Quick, Patrol West. “If our efforts during this mobilization save even one life, we have accomplished our mission.”
The personnel costs involved in the special traffic assignments are funded by the Kansas Department of Transportation via a Special Traffic Enforcement Program grant.
For more information on area traffic safety enforcement, please contact Sgt. Jerry Quick at the Patrol West Bureau 941-0673, Sgt. Allen Wolf at the Patrol East Bureau 688-9331, Sgt. Rusty Leeds at the Patrol North Bureau 688-9500 or Sgt. Donnie Phelps at the Patrol South Bureau 337-9200.