WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2002
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN =9
Sandstone, state agencies work to curb drunk driving during summer season
By Heidi Pritchard Special to the Kansan
Bonner Springs officials said that crime generally does not go up during the Sandstone concert season. However, they said the venue's events had a profound effect on drinking and driving rates.
Administrative Lt. Sam Mills with the Kansas Highway Patrol said the focus on Sandstone began last year ago when a teen on K-7 drove over the top of one car and landed on a Chevrolet Camaro, resulting in one fatality. The accident happened June 5 of last year when a Ford Explorer, attempting to avoid concert traffic, left Highway 7 and then reentered at a high rate of speed. The Explorer struck a Camaro, and the driver of the Camaro died on the Life Flight helicopter en route to the
hospital. Open alcohol containers were found in the Explorer.
So just how many concertgoers are drinking and driving? According to Mills, between the months of May and September — when Sandstone is open — there were 47 DUI arrests, two open container arrests and two minors in possession on highways close to the venue. Mills could not say if this was an increase in comparison to the rest of the year.
Statewide statistics are not yet available for 2001. But 2,380 people were injured in alcohol-related crashes in Kansas the year before.
Sandstone officials, as well as KDOT, took note of the 51 alcohol-related violations in Sandstone's vicinity between May and September of last year.
Sandstone, in conjunction with KDOT.
rolled out the There's No Excuse For Driving Drunk program May 7. Concertgoers choosing to participate indicate to Sandstone officials that they are the designated driver for their group. In turn, the drivers receive a plastic bracelet that entitles them to two free soft drinks at any beverage stand inside the venue.
KDOT's press release regarding the new program proudly touted that the No Excuse theme was based on Kansan's attitudes and was designed to resonate with drivers of all ages. KDOT is including a number of other programs under the No Excuse umbrella to include the Sandstone Designated Driver Program and the Hand 'Em Over to Someone Sober Campaign.
Contact Pritchard at editor@kansan.com. This story was edited by Matt Stumpff.
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