The “Taking Down DUI” campaign is set to begin on Thursday, as Kansas law enforcement aims to address the alarming statistic that around 32% of all traffic fatalities involve drunk drivers.
Christmas week is here, and state and local law enforcement officials are issuing a cautionary message to all those planning to celebrate during this time. They want everyone to be aware that officers throughout Kansas will be actively patrolling the streets until after the New Year, keeping a close eye out for any drivers who may be impaired.
According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, there were a total of nine fatalities in Kansas crashes during the period from December 19 to January 1 last year. Out of these crashes, 19 were found to involve impaired drivers, resulting in injuries to 12 people.
In an exclusive interview with 12 News, a resident of Wichita opened up about the life-altering consequences he faced as a result of one driver’s reckless choice.
In 2019, Bob Recchio and his wife had just finished commemorating their 36th wedding anniversary and were on their way back home when their vehicle was struck by a driver who was under the influence. Recchio managed to survive the accident, but tragically, his beloved wife lost her life at the scene.
Now, he is traveling as a speaker to raise awareness about the consequences of impaired driving. Recchio emphasizes the importance of everyone thinking twice before getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol during a celebration. He strongly advocates for having a designated plan in place to secure a safe ride or staying in a location until sobriety is achieved.
According to the individual interviewed, it is incredibly simple to navigate from one location to another and return home safely. He emphasizes the importance of having a plan in order to prevent incidents such as driving under the influence or impaired driving. By making responsible decisions, such as avoiding alcohol or drug consumption before getting behind the wheel, individuals can easily evade the risk of being arrested for a DUI or causing a collision.
The statewide crackdown on impaired drivers, known as “Taking Down DUI,” will conclude on Jan. 2.
