Margann Bennett has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season, including family.
“Some are flying, and some are driving. And that’s one thing we worry about when the whole family gets together,” she said.
If they’re driving, they’ll be alongside more than 48 million others, up from last year according to AAA.
Drivers will also notice more police cruisers on the road.
The Lawrence Police Department will be one of many with beefed up patrols.
“Looking for impaired drivers, those not wearing seatbelts, children not restrained properly in car seats,” Amy Rhoads with the Lawrence Police Department told 41 Action News.
In 2015, there were 1,113 accidents on Kansas roads during the Thanksgiving Day weekend, officials said.
It’s a big part of the reason the Kansas Department of Transportation has provided a grant for the Lawrence Police Department and others across the state to increase staffing levels for the big weekend.
Rhoads says the increased presence is to send a strong message.
“If you’re going to drink, have a designated driver with you. Have a safe way to get home. It’s not worth it to get behind the wheel,” she said.
It’s a message Bennett says will ensure her loved ones make it safely to their destination.
“One drink is enough and you can’t drive after that. And if an increased presence helps remind people of that, fine,” Bennett.
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Kevin Holmes can be reached at Kevin.Holmes@KSHB.com
