Starting Monday, Nov. 19, Merriam police officers will work overtime to make sure you arrive safely home for the holidays. The weeklong traffic enforcement campaign “Thanksgiving Safe Arrival” is part of a statewide effort to remove impaired drivers off Kansas roadways during Thanksgiving week.
Merriam police officers will look for drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They will also ticket seatbelt violators who are either not buckled or improperly restrained.
“More than 250 drivers across Kansas are arrested each week for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” Merriam Police Chief Michael Daniels said. “We want to do our part to make sure Merriam residents are safe getting to their loved ones so they can celebrate Thanksgiving together.”
“Thanksgiving Safe Arrival” is supported by a Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) grant. KDOT said the day before Thanksgiving sees more impaired-related crashes than any other day of the year. The campaign runs through Sunday, Nov. 25.