Latest news with #ShawnSteward
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New Kansas law would make drivers move over or slow down for stalled cars
Kansans will have to either slow down or move over when passing a stalled vehicle on the side of the road under a law that passed both the House and Senate. Senate Bill 8 is uncontroversial in the Kansas Statehouse, passing both chambers without a single dissenting vote nor any opponent testimony during committee hearings. The bill is now heading to Gov. Laura Kelly's desk. The law creates a $75 fine for unlawful passing of a stationary vehicle that has its hazard lights on or has deployed road flares or caution signals. People are urged to switch lanes if possible, but if they can't are asked to slow to a "reasonable" and "prudent" speed. A similar law already existed, but only applied to stalled vehicles that were operated by law enforcement, emergency services, tow trucks, utility vehicles and garbage trucks. "While Kansas existing 'Move Over' law is fairly strong, one glaring need for improvement was that regular folks changing a tire, dealing with an engine breakdown or other vehicle issues were NOT included in or protected by the law in the same way emergency responders and roadside workers are,' said Shawn Steward, public and government affairs manager for AAA Kansas. 'Everyone on the roadside, whether unplanned or there for their job, should enjoy the additional safety and awareness this enhancement will provide.' The Kansas Department of Transportation statistics show that nearly 1,000 empty stalled vehicles were struck while on the side of the road between 2018 and 2023, resulting in the following: Eight fatalities. 25 suspected serious injuries. 211 suspected minor injuries. 513 instances of damaged property. Another 82 crashes occurred with someone in the car, resulting in the following: 2 deaths. Four suspected serious injuries. 60 suspected minor injuries. 42 instances of property damage. Every state has some form of "Move Over" laws, but Kansas would be the 26th state to move toward a universal model rather than specifying it for certain types of vehicles, like police cruisers. Kansas nearly passed a similar bill last year, but it was bundled with two other bills that were less popular: One would have increased the penalties for striking emergency vehicles that have stalled, and created felony crimes if emergency services personnel were struck or killed. The other would have banned using cell phones while driving in a construction zone with workers present or a school zone during active hours. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansans must move or reduce speeds under uncontroversial bill
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Winter weather wreaks havoc, multiple semi-truck crashes on slick roads
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Bitterly cold temperatures are keeping road conditions hazardous across the metro. On Wednesday morning, there were multiple wrecks involving semi-trucks and even a snowplow that slid off the road. The shaky start Wednesday began with McIntyre Law Chopper 4 over a big wreck on I-35 in Moore that involved a semi truck. There was another on I-40 near Harrah Road where a truck ended up completely on its side to. LOCAL NEWS: 'Business as usual': Oklahoma workers braving the bitter cold 'You have to be extra cautious on snow and ice because it can be tricky,' AAA Spokesperson Shawn Steward said. Just northwest of that a snow plow slid off the road. That was just a day after the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority said three snowplows were hit by other drivers. EMSA said on Tuesday alone they worked 44 wrecks and took 11 people to the hospital. That's more than double their normal rate, according to a news release Wednesday morning. Troopers with Oklahoma Highway Patrol went to more than 330 crashes statewide by late afternoon Tuesday as well. 'You've got to take it easy. You know, take your time and everything,' truck driver Kenneth Allen said. Allen has been driving a semi truck for 10 years. He said safety is a top priority when moving the big rig through winter weather. LOCAL NEWS: Multiple crashes, major traffic backups on I-35 SB 'If I got to shut it down, I just called safety I'm like, 'hey, the road's not safe for me to drive on' so I can pull over,' he said. He said he and his company don't want to lose their load or his life. He and his dog made a stop near NE 122nd Street and I-35 Wednesday while on their way to Omaha, Nebraska before hitting the highway once again. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has information on road conditions that you can keep an eye on in the coming days. We'll also keep you up to date at KFOR. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
AAA says Kansas roads will be covered and slick
KANSAS (KSNT) – AAA is giving advice and tips ahead of the winter storm expected to blanket much of northeast Kansas with 5-8 inches of snow. On Sunday, Governor Laura Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation for weather anticipated to hit the Sunflower State. Two rounds of snow are expected between Monday, Feb. 10 and Tuesday, Feb. 11 and another bout is expected Wednesday, Feb. 12 into Thursday, Feb. 13. 'With this storm expected to drop snow across the state, most roads will be covered and become slick and hazardous,' Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA Kansas Shawn Steward said. 'During winter precipitation, the best action is to stay home and off the roads to allow plow crews to properly treat and clear the roads. If you must drive, AAA Kansas recommends that you stay weather-aware and also visit to check real-time road conditions so you can know before you go.' Moon will change to red color for one night in March, here's why To prepare for the cold weather, AAA recommends: Make sure your tires have good tread and are properly inflated. AAA says tires can lose one psi of pressure for every 10-degree drop in temperature. Have your battery checked by a professional. When temperatures drop the battery starting power also drops. Keep your gas tank at least half-full to avoid gas lines from freezing. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition. AAA recommends using a winter blend of windshield wiper fluid. Make sure all lights are in working condition and can be seen in bad conditions. If you must drive in snowy and icy conditions, AAA recommends: Stay home. Check roads and weather conditions before leaving. Drive slowly. Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Don't slam on your brakes and steer into the direction you want the vehicle to go if you enter into a skid. Increase your following distance. Know your brakes and keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply pressure to the brake pedal. Don't stop if you can avoid it. AAA says you should try to slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes. Don't stop while going up a hill. AAA says to gain some inertia before going up the hill. AAA also recommends keeping a winter weather kit in your car with things like blankets, jumper cables, food, water and a portable charger. For more information on how to prepare your vehicle for the winter, click here. Home values continue upward trend in Riley County 'If you don't have to be anywhere, staying home until the storm has moved out and the roads are clear is always a good call,' said Steward. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
