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Kansas traffic deaths on the rise

Posted at 11:29 AM, Mar 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-08 17:39:56-05

In just the first two months of 2017, 58 people died in traffic crashes on Kansas roads. That’s a 45 percent increase from 2016. 

Kansas State Highway Patrol say there are several reasons why, including distracted driving and the warmer weather. 

“Typically this time of year we see incement weather,” Trooper Candice Breshears tells 41 Action News. "It’s very nice outside right now, gas prices are low.”

Not wearing seatbelts can also play a role in traffic deaths, as Sandy Franzwa knows. She lost her son December 16, 2016. 

“He was on his way home from work when he hit some ice and didn’t have his seatbelt on. We would’ve been looking forward to his graduation, his job, career, college. Instead it’s a different story,” said Franzwa.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is doing its part to try and bring those numbers down by increasing patrols on higways. 

Thirty four troopers just graduated from the KHP Academy. They’re currently in field training and will hit the roads once that’s complete. 

In the meantime, troopers and parents like Franzwa are working to make sure drivers buckle up and be responsible while behind the wheel. 

“My message for everyone, adults and everyone is to buckle up and be safe and smart about driving. Stay off their phones, texting and driving, and changing music on your phone.,” said Franzwa.

It’s advice that could’ve saved her son, Sterling. “We miss him tremendously and this should’ve never happened.”

 

 

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Kevin Holmes can be reached at Kevin.Holmes@KSHB.com

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