If you’re going to drive fast, at least buckle up.

Area and state law enforcement agencies hope they got that message across to motorists earlier this month during an aggressive traffic enforcement effort on U.S. Highway 59.

“We know people are going to continually be in a hurry, but we are hoping to get people to buckle up and put their kids in car seats because of the tragic possibilities that exist when they don’t,” said Lt. John Eichkorn, spokesman for the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The Highway Patrol combined efforts with law enforcement agencies in Douglas and Franklin counties during March 16-19 to step up enforcement of traffic laws on Highway 59 from Lawrence to Ottawa.

Patrol troopers during those days issued 41 tickets for speeding and six tickets for not wearing seat belts. One person was cited for not having a child properly restrained. Citations for nearly 30 other types of violations also were issued.

Highway 59 turns into Iowa Street in Lawrence, and city police also were busy with their part of the enforcement effort. More than a hundred citations were issued, including 21 for seat belt violations and 84 for speeding, statistics released by Lawrence Police showed. Three drivers were arrested for driving under the influence.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office didn’t have officers specifically designated for special enforcement on Highway 59. However, officers cited four people for speeding during the period and issued one citation each for seat belt and child-restraint violations. Citations for four other types of traffic violations also were issued.

No statistics were readily available Monday from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Combined statistics from all the departments involved also weren’t available from the Kansas Department of Transportation.

During two days after the enforcement effort, state troopers issued 16 speeding tickets but none for seat belt violations.

“When the public sees us and they are aware of enforcement initiatives like this, they are more inclined to comply with Kansas laws,” Eichkorn said.

Highway 59, a hilly and twisting two-lane road between Lawrence and Ottawa, has long held the reputation as a dangerous route for motorists. Last year state officials said that stretch of highway had a fatal crash rate that was 25 percent higher than similar highways in the state.

Moreover, last year, national statistics showed Kansas had only a 61 percent seat belt usage rate, the ninth-lowest rate in the nation for adults.

The enforcement effort on Highway 59 preceded a community forum about traffic fatalities and injuries that is scheduled for Wednesday in Lawrence. The forum will be from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Lawrence Visitor Information Center, 402 N. Second St.

KDOT hopes added police presence will help law click (03-14-05)

Participating in the forum will be state officials, including Secretary of Transportation Deb Miller, Secretary of Health and Environment Roderick Bremby and Highway Patrol Supt. Col. William Seck.

Last year 456 people died on Kansas roadways, and 2,000 people suffered disabling injuries.