The Kansas Highway Patrol is supporting a bill in the Kansas Legislature that would increase the offense for those exceeding the speed limit on Kansas roads.

 

Senate Bill 113 is currently making its way through the Senate Transportation Committee in hopes of getting a vote in the Kansas Senate. The original bill called for increased penalties for those exceeding 100 mph on Kansas roadways. Kansas Highway Patrol Captain Matthew Payne says law enforcement has seen a recent increase in speeding drivers.

 

The Transportation Committee has since amended the bill to increase the charge to Reckless Driving for operating a motor vehicle at a speed 35 mph over the posted speed limit. According to the K-H-P, speeding increases the risk of losing control of a vehicle and increases the severity of an accident.  Payne says the proposed bill would give law enforcement another tool to help keep road safe.

 

The amended bill has been recommended to be passed by the Senate Transportation Committee.

 

Photo: Captain Payne testifies before the Senate Transportation Committee. Courtesy Kansas Legislature