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Home > Post > Post 3 > Post 3 News Release > 2010 News Releases > News Release

Operation K.S.P.

Date of News Release: 07/16/2010

(Bowling Green, Ky.) -- Going on vacation or even a weekend outing is supposed to be a pleasant experience for an individual, couple or family. Getting to your destination should not be a life-changing event unfortunately for some, it is. The Kentucky State Police will implement a three-prong approach to a summer traffic enforcement campaign designed to reduce highway crashes and deaths in the Commonwealth. "Operation K.S.P." (Kentucky's Summer Prevention Plan) started Tuesday, June 1, 2010, at 6 pm and will conclude at midnight on Labor Day, Monday, September 6, 2010.

Last year, between June 1st and September 6th, 226 people were killed in Kentucky due to injuries sustained in motor vehicle crashes. Captain Bill Payton, Commander of the Bowling Green Post, said, "This represents 14 fewer deaths than in 2008. While this improvement is encouraging, we must remain vigilant in enforcement efforts to avoid a preventable death."

Kentucky roadways can be hazardous at times. Captain Payton further advised, "Statistics show driver inattention is the number one cause of crashes in Kentucky." There are many factors that can contribute to driver inattention. Some are as follows:

• Talking on the cell phone.
• Sending or reading text messages.
• Eating or drinking.
• Changing the radio station, CD, etc.
• Listening to an iPod, MP3 player with headphones on.
• Having children under control (baby crying, children fighting).
• Putting on cosmetics.
• Reading the newspaper or a book.

To ensure your vehicle does not become an issue while traveling, listed below are some tips to consider before leaving for a trip.

• Make sure you have plenty of fuel in your car.
• Keep your windshield and mirrors clean.
• Check your tire pressure regularly.
• Keep washer fluid full.
• Replace your windshield wiper blades when they become worn out.
• Have your exhaust system checked for leaks.
• Keep driver's compartment floorboard free of clutter.

Another thing to keep in mind before leaving for vacation or an extended trip is the well-being of the driver. Here are some things to consider if you are going to be driving during your trip.

• Drive defensively and within the speed limit.
• Have your car serviced regularly
• Leave with plenty of time to travel.
• Ask passengers to help by allowing you to focus on driving and being quiet.
• Don't take your eyes off the road.
• When traveling with pets, gate, crate or secure them.
• Get plenty of rest before driving on long trips.
• Wear your seat belt and make sure all your passengers are wearing seat belts.
• Never drink and drive.

Since the campaign started Tuesday, June 1, 2010, and as of the week ending July 11, 2010, the Kentucky State Police in Bowling Green have conducted 25 traffic checkpoints. During these checkpoints, Troopers have arrested five people that were operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Seven operators were cited for seatbelt violations and 2 were cited for child restraint violations. Troopers inspected 917 vehicles while making 7 drug arrests. Seven operators were arrested or cited for operating on a suspended operators' license.

Last year between June 1st and September 6th, (in Post 3 area) there were 292 crashes with 77 resulting in injury and 8 deaths.

The Bowling Green Post encompasses Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Simpson, and Warren counties. To report driving infractions in the Bowling Green Post area, you may call (270) 782-2010 or 1-800-222-5555 (in the state of Kentucky only, does not work out of state).

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