SAFE Kansas

10/16/2026

The posted speed limit tells you the maximum speed allowed under ideal conditions — clear skies, dry pavement and daylight. ☀️🚗

When conditions drop below ideal, your speed should drop, too. ⤵️

10/16/2026

Safety campaign challenges drivers to Buckle Up and put the Phone Down

McPherson County Sheriff's Office is challenging drivers to ditch the distractions and focus on safety.

The goal is to bring awareness to two simple actions — buckling up and putting the phone down — to reduce traffic fatalities. Drivers can expect to see increased law enforcement on local roads and highways during the statewide safety campaign which runs Oct. 20-31.

Driving safely demands your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of being involved in a crash.

Phone use while driving, specifically calling and texting is one of the most common distractions. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for approximately five seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

Kansas law prohibits drivers from using a handheld cell phone while operating a motor vehicle in an active school zone, where a reduced speed limit is enforced. It’s also prohibited in active construction zones while workers are present and signs are posted. Devices are still allowed to be used in hand-free mode.

The campaign coincides with Buckle Up Phone Down Day on Oct. 28th— a day when all drivers are encouraged to make the pledge to buckle up and put their phone down on every trip.

For more information on distracted driving, go to www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving

10/15/2026

🚗❤️ OSKALOOSA SAFE: BASELINE SEATBELT SURVEY RESULTS! ❤️🚗

Members of the BEARS Initiative recently completed this year’s Baseline Seatbelt Survey as part of SAFE (Seatbelts Are For Everyone)! 📋👀

📊 Here’s what we found:
🚗 81% of drivers and front-seat passengers observed were wearing seatbelts.
📱 8% of observations involved driver distractions.

Last year, seatbelt use increased from 71% at baseline to 83% by the end of the year. We’re excited to build on that progress and keep working toward safer driving habits in our community!

So, how do our students collect this data? Students conduct observational surveys at the Liberty Street and Park Street entrance, our main school entrance. Working in groups as primary and reliability observers helps ensure accurate and consistent data collection.

A few things to keep in mind: Students record only drivers and front-seat passengers, and vehicles are counted only when seatbelt use and potential distractions can be clearly observed. Because this is our main school entrance, the data may include families, staff, and other community members—not just high school students. Safe driving habits matter to all of us! 🚦

❤️🖤 We're also excited that junior high students have the opportunity to join BEARS Initiative this year! It's been great seeing JH students step up to participate in seatbelt surveys and take an active role in promoting safety. These hands-on experiences help students build awareness, develop leadership skills, and recognize that their choices can make a difference.

SAFE is part of the BEARS Initiative (Bears Encouraging Awareness, Responsibility & Safety), and students have opportunities to participate in future surveys, safety awareness events, and more!

📈 Our goal remains 100% seatbelt use and 0% distractions. We're not there yet, but every survey is an opportunity to learn, raise awareness, and keep moving in the right direction.

Buckle up. Put the phone down. Look out for one another. ❤️🖤

SAFE Kansas

10/15/2026

Who’s joining us at the Kansas Teen Transportation Safety Conference in Wichita this year?
Buckle up and drive SAFE!

10/14/2026

10/14/2026

🚗❤️ SAFE CHOICES SAVE LIVES!

Every safe drive starts with a responsible decision, and keeping impairment out of the driver's seat is one of the most important choices we can make!

October is Substance Abuse Prevention Month, and we're highlighting the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of making decisions that protect everyone on our roads.

Alcohol and drugs can affect judgment, coordination, and reaction time, putting drivers, passengers, and others at risk. Planning ahead, choosing a sober driver, and speaking up when someone is impaired can make a lifesaving difference. 🚦

At B.R.A.K.E.S., we're committed to helping teens develop the skills, confidence, and awareness they need to become safer, more responsible drivers through our FREE, hands-on defensive driving program! 🏎️🙌

❤️ Let's work together to make every ride a safe one! Find a B.R.A.K.E.S. class near you and register today!

🔗 https://registration.putonthebrakes.org/

10/13/2026

👀 Keep distractions to a minimum. Safe driving requires your full attention—not just your eyes, but your mind as well.

10/13/2026

Congratulations to the SAFE Speaks scholarship competition winners! Olpe Schools Hamilton USD 390 Bennington High School Beloit Jr./Sr. High School West Elk Schools

10/12/2026

SAFE winners!

September SAFE winners:
Owen Muzner 11
Trey Reynolds 12
Cole Fulton 9
Jaden VanDinter 10

CONGRATULATIONS!!!