OVERLAND PARK, Ks. - — The Overland Park Police Department recorded 326 crashes along Interstate 435 between Roe Avenue and Quivira Road during a recent 12-month period, according to a report released Thursday.
The numbers highlighted the dangers of one of the metro’s busiest roadways with 61 of the crashes involving injuries and two of them being fatal.
While the interstate has seen plenty of construction, speeding and distracted driving continue to bring concerns.
Following the release of the report, drivers who spoke to 41 Action News said the results weren't surprising.
“I’ve been avoiding it for a long time because of the construction,” Fred Held, who lives in Overland Park, said. “It’s kind of a scary ride. You try to merge in and you’re taking your life into your hands most of the time.”
Erin Mizer, who works near I-435, also worries about safety on the interstate.
“I pray everyday to have a safe travel when I go to work because sometimes it is bad,” Mizer said. “People are going 80 to 85 (mph) down the highway. I’ve actually seen a guy read the newspaper (while driving).”
The alarming crash numbers prompted the Overland Park Police Department to step up enforcement along the I-435 corridor.
According to the report, 204 citations were given out during two recent four-hour enforcement periods with around 75% of the tickets for speeding.
While driving on the interstate worries some drivers, the conditions also bring concern for tow services.
“We’re out there a couple times a week minimum,” Eric Zugelder of Dale’s Tow Service in Olathe said. “People are just seeing it as an Autobahn.”
The towing staff faces risks when responding to accidents and Zugelder said special precautions may need to be taken.
“You’ve got too many people speeding, swerving in and out of cars,” he said. “You almost feel it necessary to send another truck to help block and make sure somebody is covering the backside of the driver.”
Overland Park police plan to continue closely monitoring I-435 in hopes of making the road safer.
