With AAA forecasting Thanksgiving travel to exceed pre-pandemic levels, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office encourages travelers to buckle up, use proper child safety seats and avoid impaired and distracted driving.

“We are glad to see people on the roads and hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe Thanksgiving holiday,” Sheriff Jay Armbrister said. “The first step is to make sure you are able to reach your destination safely so you can celebrate with family and friends. Stay buckled up, avoid distractions and avoid impaired driving any time you get behind the wheel.”

The enhanced patrol campaign will be Nov. 21-Nov. 30. The “Thanksgiving Safe Arrival” campaign is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with safety funds administered by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). It’s a public education and enforcement partnership with local and state police agencies aimed at increasing travelers’ compliance with Kansas occupant-restraint and impaired-driving laws. 

Armbrister encourages drivers to arrange for a sober driver or a ride service.

Additionally, drivers are encouraged to be alert for deer especially from dusk to midnight and before and after dawn. Armbrister said it's best to avoid swerving because crashing into another vehicle or rolling your vehicle can be more dangerous than hitting a deer. Deputies have been responding to several reports per day of vehicle-deer collisions on roads and highways in Douglas County.