Kansas City Takes Steps to Curb Reckless Driving
In a bid to create a safer environment for pedestrians and reduce the danger posed by reckless drivers, Kansas City has recently installed additional grooves at several downtown intersections. These new divots are specifically designed to deter drivers who are inclined to do burnouts, donuts, and participate in street races.
Where Are the Grooves?
The latest grooves can be found at the intersections of Southwest Boulevard and Baltimore Avenue, as well as at the Southwest Boulevard and Broadway Boulevard intersection. Local business owners and community members are expressing their gratitude for these changes, highlighting the potential hazards posed by speeding vehicles.
A Personal Experience
Dulcinea Herrera, co-owner of Cafe Corazon, shared her own scary encounter with reckless driving. “One day I was driving home near this road, and I got caught in what I think was a race. My car almost got hit, and I was really scared,” she explained. Dulcinea believes the presence of these grooves will help make the area safer for her patrons and for pedestrians in general.
Community Support
Herrera isn’t alone in her sentiments. Folks living and working in the vicinity of these intersections have voiced similar concerns. “We want people to walk and enjoy downtown. Sometimes I feel like they’re hesitant because of the reckless driving,” she said. She feels that these new grooves will provide a sense of safety and encourage foot traffic, creating a more vibrant downtown atmosphere.
The Bigger Picture
According to a Kansas City Public Works employee, the city has identified 25 known locations previously, where reckless driving was a problem. This number has since ballooned to around 250, as more areas are looked at to implement similar solutions. City Councilman Crispin Rea mentioned that while he couldn’t confirm the exact figure, the growing list of locations remains a priority as he hears complaints every Monday morning during his commute to work.
A Community initiative
Rea expressed concern regarding the rising number of incidents. “There’s no shortage of places around town to implement this strategy. I keep adding to my list,” he said, emphasizing the need for an ongoing effort to tackle the issue. He noted that since an ordinance was passed recently increasing penalties for participants, more vehicles are being impounded, and tickets are being issued with greater frequency.
The Purpose of the Grooves
What exactly do these grooves do? According to Rea, they serve as a very straightforward solution to prevent reckless driving. “The grooves reduce the friction a vehicle experiences while spinning,” he explained. He also mentioned that cars that persistently try to perform stunts end up shredding their tires, thus not only preventing the act but also causing additional damage to vehicles.
Looking Ahead
Many businesses are closely watching to see if their location will be targeted by sideshow enthusiasts or if they can relax, knowing their community is taking steps to mitigate the problem. “Every groove we implement can mean fewer police patrols in those areas,” Rea noted. The city is eager to remove locations from the list of known hotspots, aiming to create a safer environment for all.
Staying Vigilant
Rea also pointed out that it’s not difficult to track where these street racing events are likely to occur, thanks to posts that circulate online. The city will continue to engage with the Kansas City Police Department and other community leaders in hopes of eradicating this problem altogether.
As Kansas City rolls out more of these grooves, it’s clear that the city is committed to making its streets a safer place for residents and visitors alike. Whether it’s enjoying a meal at a local cafe or simply taking a stroll downtown, safety is becoming a top priority.
