9 February 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — For the third time this week, law enforcement officers are warning about drivers going over 100 mph on Kansas roads.
The most recent case was on Interstate 70 in Saline County Thursday morning.
Around 7 a.m., a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper noticed a vehicle racing up behind him. The trooper took the exit ramp, let the speeder go by, and then got back on I-70 and pulled the SUV over.
The KHP says the 28-year-old Colorado driver was cruising at 106 mph in a 75 mph zone, tailgating, and failing to stay in his lane. The trooper wrote the man a ticket. The cost to the driver is $468.
The KHP posted an image of part of the ticket on social media with this message:
“The roadway is for everyone, NOT just for one driver to do as they wish. #SlowDown“
Late on Tuesday night, the Wichita Police Department said a Mustang was going 106 mph on Rock Road. Before police could stop the car, it crashed into a concrete barrier at Kellogg. The 22-year-old driver was critically injured but is expected to survive.
“This unfortunate incident should remind us all of the potential consequences of speeding and reckless driving,” Officer Kristopher Gupilan, WPD, said. “Speeding carries significant risks ranging from severe injury to tragic loss of life.”
On Monday, the KHP posted a message on social media about a driver caught going 116 mph on I-70 in Salina County. That ticket also ended up being $468.
KHP Trooper Ben Gardner was not the trooper involved, but he posted a message about it, saying that it is a growing problem.
“It’s just one traffic stop of what has been FREQUENTLY occurring, with our Troopers stopping vehicles speeding well over 100 mph,” Gardner said. “A reminder to all to drive responsibly.”
This week’s incidents come after Trooper Tiffany Baylark posted four pictures of drivers stopped for going 100 or more hours an hour last week. She patrols in the Kansas City, Kansas area.
“Traveling 100+ MPH is not only dangerous to yourself but also to those around you,” she said.
The Haven Police Department said the high speeds are not just happening on the interstate highways. A Haven police officer stopped a vehicle that was going 135 mph.
“Take this into account: When you see something on the road, and your brain tells your foot to apply the brake, that is your Perception Reaction Time. Most of us are over 2 seconds, but we’ll use the average of 1.5 (it benefits the driver). Traveling at 135 mph, it would take over 1100 ft to come to a stop. Almost a 1/4 of a mile. When it’s dark or limited visibility, those numbers are worse,” the Haven PD said on social media. “Please, drive responsibly. We don’t want to work a fatality accident you are involved in!”
WPD Officer Gupilan said speeding can impact more than just the driver:
“We, the Wichita Police Department, urge everyone in our community to drive with care on the roads, knowing that every journey impacts not only oneself but also loved ones, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and friends who are all on the roadway.”