Police in Riley County will be participating in a traffic enforcement project on April 21, 2015 as well as April 23rd and April 28th. This enforcement project will be focused around the Riley County High School area in northern Riley County. RCPD will join other Kansas law enforcement agencies around the state in this project.
In 2014, 34 teens in Kansas lost their lives due to car crashes; 63% of those teens were not properly restrained. Through education law enforcement hopes to help reduce the amount of unrestrained vehicle occupants.
The Kansas Department of Transportation created this SAFE program which is a voluntary enforcement project involving Kansas high schools and local law enforcement. It was designed to increase traffic safety awareness among high school students with the goal of increasing seat belt use among teenagers.
“The purpose of this effort is to increase traffic safety awareness. Success will be measured by increased use of seat belts by area high school students.” Patrol Commander, Josh Kyle of the Riley County Police Department.
RCPD and RCHS have agreed to participate in this program which involves officers monitoring traffic safety in a highly visibly fashion. When appropriate, officers will take enforcement action on traffic offenses that lead to unsafe driving/riding or vehicle collisions.