From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Aug. 17, 1986:

Sheriff Rex Johnson expressed his concern that 1986 could set a record for the number of traffic fatalities in Douglas County. The county had already recorded nine traffic deaths up until this date, and Johnson cited statistics saying that fatalities usually increased in the last few months of a year. Johnson urged more vigilance for those getting behind the wheel, as well as encouraging all travelers to buckle up. The most recent fatality had occurred ten days earlier when a Lawrence woman was killed in a two-car accident in North Lawrence. Neither the woman or the five other people injured in the accident had been wearing seat belts at the time. A state law had gone into effect on July 1 requiring all drivers and front-seat passengers to wear safety belts, but violators were not to be subject to fines until one year later.