Beginning February 25 thru March 8, the Independence Police Department will join other law enforcement agencies in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma with increased enforcement near high schools to raise awareness on roadway safety. Crashes are the leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States. “Even one teen death is unacceptable,” Chief Harrison said. “Please slow down, put the phone away or turn it off, and always buckle up.” Officers will issue citations to any individual who refuses to obey the traffic laws, whether it is for speeding, texting or failing to buckle up.

Remind teens that driving is a privilege and encourage them to learn about the importance of driving safely.