Law enforcement urging drivers to mind the rules of the road - KAKE

WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - This week we are heading into 2022, but we're still seeing repercussions from the COVID-19 pandemic that first started impacting the U.S. in 2020, but this time, it's affecting the roads.

"I drive on Kellogg almost every day. There is, a lot of speeding,” said Zakaria Fakir.

He continued, "There is a, there is a noticeable change in people's behavior on the road."

Fakir said he's noticed a big change in the way other drivers are on the roads.

"Speed signs are pretty much there as a suggestion anymore. It's, It's not unusual for people to be driving 10, 15 miles an hour over the speed limit,” said Fakir.

The U.S. Transportation Department says, 2020 was one of the deadliest years for deaths caused by crashes across the nation in over a decade.

“Lately speed has been an issue,” said Rachel Bell.

Bell with the Kansas Turnpike Authority said the Kansas Highway Patrol for the turnpike saw a major drop in traffic when COVID first started and drivers still on the road increased their speeds, but it didn’t last.

"As we've gotten more traffic back on the road, speed just has not come down,” said Bell.

KHP said that's leading to an increase in crashes caused by reckless driving.

Just over the weekend in Wichita there was a crash that left one man dead after police say he lost control of his vehicle.

With officers looking at speed possibly being the cause.

"Witnesses do indicate that there was high speed probably involved with it. But that's from witness statements,” said Sergeant Brian Mock, with the Wichita Police Department.

As for Fakir, he said he hopes the roads will get back to normal, but has some advice for reckless drivers.

"Think about their kids, when they drive in their parents when the driving the grandparents from the driving. If they think that they want their families to be safe on the road, they might have to project that unto themselves as well,” said Fakir.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office is also urging drivers not to drink and drive and to be aware on the roads this week. The office’s 'Taking Down DUI' Traffic Enforcement Campaign is in full swing which goes until January 2nd.

source: https://www.kake.com/story/45543601/law-enforcement-urging-drivers-mind-the-rules-of-the-road

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