TOPEKA, Kan. — This Friday through Sunday, the Kansas Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies will join five other states in a three-day, high-visibility enforcement targeting drug and alcohol-impaired driving, among other traffic safety issues. Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma are also involved in the initiative.

In Kansas last year, there were 462 fatalities on the roadways; 20 percent of those involved a drug-impaired driver. The purpose of this high-visibility enforcement is to decrease impaired driving on roadways.

According to the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers found a 12-percent increase in the relative risk of a fatal crash after 4:20 p.m. on April 20, compared to the same time intervals on other days.

The Patrol’s Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) and Breath Alcohol Unit (BAU) will be assisting with enforcement across the state. Citations may be issued to any individuals who refuse to obey traffic laws, whether for impaired driving, speeding, seat belt violations, or others. If an individual refuses to submit to a blood test, a search warrant can be obtained for their blood.