State Farm Safety Assist partnership recognized

Travelers Marketing’s Safety Patrol Sponsor-Partnership received a 2011 National Roadway Safety Award. These partnerships included the Kansas Turnpike’s State Farm Safety Assist program which patrols I-70 east of Topeka and I-35 south of Wichita during the summer months.

To read more, download PDF below.

Be prepared for winter driving

When winter weather hit the Southwest hard in mid- to late-December, several motorists found themselves stranded in perilous conditions. Use these tips to be as prepared for any situation as possible.
Vehicle care
• Pack an emergency kit in case you get stranded. Include an ice scraper, small shovel, gravel for traction, a blanket, first aid kit, and a flashlight.
• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights—even the hood and roof— before driving.
• Make sure your windshield wipers work properly and your windshield washer fluid is full.
• Check your antifreeze.
• Keep your gas tank full.
• Make sure your tires have enough tread to grip the road. Replace your tires before winter if your tread is near or less than 6/32nds.
Driving precautions
• Give snow plows and other maintenance vehicles plenty of clearance. Don’t pass plows. They are clearing the path for you so stay behind them and enjoy a cleaner lane.
• Drive at a speed that allows you to safely stop should you need to apply the brakes quickly. It’s better to arrive late than not at all.
• Turn off cruise control. This is important in many types of weather: rain, fog, snow and ice.
• Turn your headlights on to allow other drivers to see you easily. According to Kansas law, if your windshield wipers are in continuous use, you must also have your headlights on!

Driver behavior
• Remember that 4-wheel drive helps you go, but won’t help you stop.
• Be aware of your surroundings. If you are in an accident and need assistance, knowing what road you are on, what milepost you are closest to or some type of easily identifiable landmark can help emergency responders locate you.
• Allow extra time to get to your destination, in case the unexpected occurs!
• If you realize you are not going to arrive on time, call ahead to let someone know of your new arrival time. You will be less tempted to drive too fast for the conditions.
• Always get plenty of rest before any trip.
• If you drink, don’t drive.

To read more, download PDF below.

KTA employees honored

KTA President/CEO Michael Johnston recently presented Exceptional Customer Assistance awards to five KTA employees.
Ron Watson was performing roadside maintenance on the Turnpike near Turner Diagonal in Kansas City when he found a wallet containing more than $1,000. But more importantly, the owner was grateful to have the wallet which had been a gift from her recently deceased mother.
Ron Johnson and Tim Wiggins helped prevent an erratic driver from returning to the roadway. When the driver attempted to exit and drove off the roadway, they were able to remove the keys from the ignition and call for assistance.
Deb Barngrover researched and implemented a recycling program at KTA’s Wichita Headquarters, reducing the amount of trash and KTA’s costs. She continues to empty the recycle containers, break down the cardboard boxes and gets everything ready in the bins for the pickup day.
Last summer, Scott Lawrence stopped to help a commercial driver who had run out of fuel and had no way to pay for it. Scott personally purchased fuel and then gave the truck a jump start because the battery was weak.
The KTA is very proud of the exceptional work and customer assistance its employees provide.

To read more, download PDF below.

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