Thanksgiving Day is one of the busiest travel days of the year. With increased traffic, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas Turnpike Authority and the Kansas Department of Transportation focus on multiple safety measures for travelers. These organizations encourage drivers to take the following tips into consideration:

·         Check your vehicle's condition: tire tread and pressure, fluid levels and mechanical equipment.

·         Have an emergency kit, including bottled water, blankets, non-perishable food, chargers and a flashlight with batteries.

·         Allow plenty of time to arrive at your destination.

·         Check road conditions before you travel by calling 511 or visiting kandrive.org, particularly in the instance of inclement weather.

·         Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Have a designated driver for the ride home.

·         Buckle up. Every trip. Every time.

Travelers who experience a roadside emergency, can dial *47 for the Kansas Highway Patrol or *582 while on the Kansas Turnpike and someone will be sent to assist.

Travelers using the Kansas Turnpike are also reminded that they can save on tolls by using a K-TAG or a PIKEPASS.

 Law enforcement agencies across the state will be putting additional officers on the road during the holiday travel period. A grant from KDOT underwrites the Thanksgiving STEP (Special Traffic Enforcement Program) campaign from Monday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Nov. 29. KHP personnel and local law enforcement will work overtime enforcements focused on combatting impaired driving and enforcing seat belt and child passenger safety laws.