KHP addresses lawmakers in push for stricter penalties for excessive speeding

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - In 2023 alone, Kansas Highway Patrol troopers cited more than 3,000 people for driving at least 100 mph. Wednesday in the state capital, troopers went before the House Committee of Transportation, testifying about the excessive speeds they continue to see.

“It affects every crash. It affects people’s operating speed, it affects their peripheral vision,” said Kansas Department of Transportation Chief of Transportation Safety Vanessa Spartan, speaking to the House committee ahead of the KHP’s presentation.

KDOT and the KHP are asking for Kansas lawmakers to help control an ongoing problem and find a different approach than simply handing out more tickets.

“Law enforcement would agree, our goal isn’t to stop people and give citations, our goal is crash correction, our goal is, you know, less risky behaviors,” Spartan said.

KHP Colonel Erik Smith began his presentation to lawmakers, pleading with them to step up.

“Come up with some sensible solutions to a problem for which we have not had any progress in the last several years,” he said.

In an effort to show the severity of drivers speeding excessively, Col. Smith showed a video caught by troopers of a vehicle reaching 140 mph on a Kansas highway.

He said it’s clear this driving is dangerous and can and will affect everyone.

KHP Troop D Captain Travis Phillips added that this type of driving can lead to serious, sometimes deadly consequences.

“I’ve worked those wrecks and those are terrible wrecks and I’ve seen the families and the devastation from those wrecks. And they’re senseless and they don’t have to happen,” Capt. Phillips said.

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