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Safety

Mike Johnson

2004-04-01 11:46:00

Question:  What are the laws, requirements, and procedures for getting my teenager her restricted drivers license?

ANSWER:  In Kansas, a teenager can obtain a restricted license at age 15. This type of driver's license allows the student to drive only: • to school (one trip per day during school days only) • to work, employment, and/or job related errands • with an adult only, that holds a valid drivers license. No minor passengers are allowed to ride with a restricted driver, the only exception being siblings.Summer school, church, sports, and other extracurricular activities do not apply. There is an agricultural provision in KS that allows farm kids to obtain their restricted license at age 14.To obtain a restricted license, your child must fulfill the following requirements:• Be the holder of an Instructional Permit for  a minimum of 6 months. An I.P. can be obtained at age 14 and up by taking a written test at a Driver's License Office, or by participating in a driver education course.• Successfully complete a driver education course and earn the Certificate of Completion.• Completing 50 hours of practice with a parent or guardian, with 10 of the hours occurring at night. There is a provision that allows for 25 practice hours, but the teenager must go back to the D.L. Office at age 16 to get a new license. Students, who have  completed the 50 hours prior, will not have to go back at age 16, because their Restricted License will automatically turn into a regular driver's license at age 16. Also, the parent or guardian is required to sign an affidavit at the D.L. Office confirming the completion of the practice hours.Students who wait too long to get an Instructional Permit, will not be able to obtain a restricted license. At age 16 they can get their regular driver's license. The 50 hours of practice is still required for anyone under the age of 18. And at any age, The Certificate of Completion allows the perspective driver to obtain their driver's license without any testing, except the eye exam, which is performed at the Driver's License Office.In Wichita, the Driver's License Offices are located at Twin Lakes Shopping Center (21st & Amidon) and the Andover Shopping Center (Central & Andover Rd.).In 1998, the Kansas Legislature followed the lead of other states, and formed new laws that changed the procedure for obtaining restricted licenses and drivers' licenses. "Graduating Licensing" is designed to give teens a better-rounded driver training experience, which in turn makes them more successful on the road, which is a good thing for all of us!

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Safety

Linda Baxter

2003-07-01 13:46:00

:  We are considering buying a jet ski to enjoy this summer at the lake.  What water safety laws should we be aware of?  How can we best prepare our family to insure a safe summer of fun?  

ANSWER:  Since the 1990's personal watercraft use has skyrocketed.   The early stand up models excited lake enthusiasts allowing them to ride the waves on a self-powered water ski.   The physical demands of the stand up models led to the popularity of the seated models.   Gradually they have become larger to accommodate as many as four passengers, and more powerful, upwards of 1200cc's and 140 horse power engines.  The appeal is the  feeling of freedom similar to riding a motorcycle on the open road.    As with all outdoor sports, safety issues have arisen.   Today's manufacturers spend a great deal of research and money to provide consumers with safety equipment and information.   New units come with a video and owner's manual explaining how the unit should be operated safely and efficiently.   Most come with a checklist of equipment the rider needs.   Often necessary equipment is mandated by rules, regulations, or laws.   Since some lakes have different requirements than others, it is best to check with the local Wildlife and Parks office or lake office for specific regulations.     At a minimum, a PFD, or Personal Flotation Device, or better known as a Life Jacket is required.  These should be fitted to the individuals wearing them.  A popular new style of PFDs are the neoprene fabric ones.  These fit tighter and offer more protection when the rider hits the water at high speeds.   Appropriate safety apparel is recommended, particularly riding shorts.   Eye protection in the form of goggles or fitted glasses is crucial to reduce glare from the water and keep the field of vision clear.     A fire extinguisher is generally required on any lake and often a whistle, which can be attached to the key lanyard.  This can be used to flag down help.  The boat registration papers must also be carried aboard so a waterproof bag or container is necessary.   Other helpful items include a paddle, tow rope, anchor, number kit, and sunscreen!     Today's PWC's are rated for number of passengers allowed on them.  Lake patrols will generally monitor this for safety purposes.  Keep in mind that the person being towed on a ski or tube counts as a passenger.   When towing someone, rearview mirrors are also required.  Aftermarket mirrors are available for most makes and models.   Covers that are tightly fitted for trailering help to keep the unit clean and ready to hit the water.   Trailers, either single or double are available.  Safety concerns with trailering involve keeping adequate air in the tires, checking the wench to make sure it is secure, and using extra tie downs to keep the watercraft from moving around.       Overall, riding personal watercraft is a very safe activity.  Following basic guidelines will insure that everyone in the family will have a great time and enjoy the great outdoors this summer!

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Safety

Mickey De Hook

2002-05-01 08:53:00

:  I am a victim of an abusive husband.  I have little money.  Having been on the debate team in high school, I have decided to 'go it alone' in court.  I heard about list of recommendations for such a situation but have been unable to find it.  Can you help?

Question:  I am a victim of an abusive husband.  I have little money.  Having been on the debate team in high school, I have decided to 'go it alone' in court.  I heard about list of recommendations for such a situation but have been unable to find it.  Can you help?Answer:  Whenever you go to court, it's important to keep your emotions in check. The bottom line is that, if you can't testify coherently, the judge won't be able to rule in your favor. Most judges don't respond well to tears, jealousy or anger despite the fact that you may at times feel overwhelmed by such emotions. Do your best to stay calm and state the facts slowly and clearly. If possible, take some time to prepare before you go to court. Write out what you want to say in brief words  using subject headings so you'll remember what's most important. You may even want to practice your statement in front of a trusted friend. The following suggestions may sound simplistic, but when you're facing a judge, they may make the difference between a successful verdict and dashed hopes.Dress as if you were going to a job interview. If this isn't an option for you, just be as neat and well groomed as possible. Don't ever interrupt the judge while she is speaking. This is the golden rule. No matter what she's saying, wait until she's through. Interrupting or arguing is a surefire way to prejudice that judge against you. When she's finished, you should politely ask permission to speak. Don't interrupt the opposing party. No matter what verbal concoction your opponent is spewing, he or she has the right to speak freely. Know that you will get your chance to explain or deny what's been said. Don't make faces of disgust or shake your head in disbelief during the proceedings. Also, try not to jump up and down if the judge decides in your favor. Very rarely does the decision rendered please everyone. It's best to adopt a professional demeanor and save the anger or celebration for private moments.

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Safety

Mickey De Hook

2002-01-01 14:20:00

Question:  Somewhere last year I read an article on winter driving and things to remember.  I thought it was very well done.  Do you have someone who might be able to provide it again?

Answer:  Thank you for the question.   I will do the best I can.  A brush-up can never hurt. Winter driving in Kansas is just around the corner. Winter driving can be a challenging and hazardous experience. However, with planning and preparation you can overcome these hazards and make Kansas highways a safer place for your and other drivers.Common sense is the key to winter driving.  Monitoring the weather, traveling only when necessary, keeping your speed down and driving defensively can help you safely complete your trip.Driving in winter conditions can be dangerous, especially for those of us who have become "rusty" in driving on snow and ice.Before the winter driving season begins, make sure your vehicle is prepared.  Preparation for Kansas winters means more than just an oil change and anti-freeze check. Make sure you check, or have checked the following items:l. Check your car's fluid levels to include anti-freeze, transmission, differential, power steering and brakes, and windshield wiper solvent.2. Checking belts, hoses and brake systems for excessive wear can save time, heartache and in some cases, lives.3. Have your battery tested to make sure it's holding its charge. If not, replace it. The most frequent cause of winter no-starts is loose or corroded cable clamps.4. Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition. They will wear quickly in the cold and excessive ice.5. Have the entire exhaust system checked for leaks. Small leaks can lead to carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can enter the passenger compartment. Small amounts can lead to drowsiness and have fatal consequences.6. Check your tires tread depth and check for uneven wear. Traction is an extremely important factor in winter driving. Remember...reducing tire pressure doesn't increase traction, it only increases wear.Winter driving, with rain, sleet, snow, ice and wind is dangerous driving.  High stress...you cannot see as well...you cannot stop or maneuver your car as well. Two biggest dangers....#1 reduce visibility....#2 reduce grip on the road. No matter who you are or how many years you been driving the odds are 5 times greater you'll have a traffic crash.Winter Driving Tips:* Allow enough time. Trips can take longer during winter than other times of the year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.* Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary to change routes or turn back during a bad storm or you may be caught in a traffic delay.* Keep windshield and windows clear. You may want to stop at a safe place to use a snow brush or ice scraper. Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog.* Increase following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. Ice and snow significantly increase your stopping distances.* Accelerate and brake gently. Make turns slowly and gradually especially at heavily traveled areas like intersections that may become icy from snow that has melted and refrozen. A light foot on the gas is less likely to produce wheel spinning on ice and snow. Braking is best accomplished by an easy pumping action on the pedal. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), it is imperative that you understand how to use it. Reading the vehicle owner's manual or checking with your dealership will provide more information on ABS.* If you lose traction and begin to slide....steer toward the direction you want to go. Anticipate a second skid in the opposite direction as the car straightens out.REMEMBER: ALWAYS BUCKLE-UP.... AVOID SUDDEN STOPS AND QUICK DIRECTION CHANGES... LEAVE MORE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOUR VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE AHEAD AND SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!!Check weather forecasts and road reports regularly. The Kansas statewide toll-free road condition hotline is 1-800-585-ROAD.If you become stranded in a winter storm:* Don't Panic...If you should become stuck in the snow or stalled during a storm. Work slowly and carefully. People have suffered heart attacks from the over-exertion of attempting to manually push a car or shoveling heavy snow drifts. Bitter cold temperatures, blinding snow, and strong winds can also be a factor that will sap your strength unless you are in top physical condition.* Don't attempt to find help by walking. You can quickly become disoriented in blowing and drifting snow. Your car provides the best protection from the weather and you are more likely to be discovered by law enforcement or maintenance crews if you remain in your car.* Keep fresh air circulating. Carbon monoxide can build up in a tightly closed vehicle, especially one sealed by blowing or drifting snow. Run the motor sparingly and open only the downwind window to provide proper ventilation.* Keep active. Clap your hands and move your arms and legs vigorously from time to time to stimulate circulation, relieve muscle tension and to help keep you awake.* Turn on your dome light. The light will help you observe others in the car and make your car visible to passersby.* Do not permit all occupants of the  vehicle to sleep at the same time.WINTER STORM SURVIVAL KIT:* Snow shovel* Several wool or thermal blankets or sleeping bags.* Matches, "Sterno", and several candles* Metal coffee can. This can be used to melt snow as a water supply* Extra containers with sand, rock salt, or "kitty litter". These may be helpful in regaining some traction.* First aid kit* Flashlight* Tow rope or chain* Extra winter clothing* Non-perishable food (candy bars, crackers)* Fuses* Jumper cables* Ice scraper* Red flag* Tissues and/or paper towelsNote: Having a cellular phone when stranded... allows you to call for help!

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Safety

Mickey De Hook

2001-11-01 10:37:00

Question: I am only writing this because I see you people at The Q & A times always change the names of people who write the questions. I don't need any more problems so please don't call. Just answer if you can in your paper. I read about a lot of different places where someone who is being abused can go, but I don't have the luxury of shopping around. The first place has got to be the right place. What should I do? I don't want to leave my husband but I can't take it any more. Where should I go?

Answer:  Help is just a phone call away.  If you live in the Wichita area call the YWCA-Women's Crisis Center and Safe House… 267-SAFE, or Harbor House… 263-6000.  Outside the Wichita area call the National Domestic Violence Hotline… 800-799-7233 for the nearest Domestic Violence Center.Who would believe that American women today are in greater danger in their own homes than in public?  We live in a culture that values stable, secure families and personal liberty for all citizens.  But the truth stands in starling contrast to these ideals.  Alarming statistics provide a glimpse of the reality that many women face every day of their lives.  Domestic violence is no longer a private or a civil matter… it’s unacceptable.  Domestic violence is a CRIME!  Someone is abused every 15 seconds.  According to the FBI, domestic violence claims the lives of four women each day.  Over 4 million women are battered every year in America.  They spend over 100,000 days in the hospital, 40,000 enter the emergency room, 30,000 visit their doctor.  Here are few examples:· To insure submission from his wife, for years her husband made a regular practice of terrorizing her by shooting bullets just over hear head.  · A husband beat his wife black and blue for cutting his sandwich the wrong way.  · A husband repeatedly kicked, then threw his wife down the stairs for failing to stop her toddler's crying.Domestic violence is probably the most wide spread form of violence in the country and can occur in all social classes.  Domestic violence may be physical, sexual or emotional.  Slapping, punching, shoving, beating, kicking, strangling, making threats of harm, deprivation of sleep or affection, sexual assault, harassment, insults, and making any other verbal abuses or any other patterns of behavior that causes emotional harm are all acts of domestic violence.  Violent behavior toward others is wrong.  It is against the law no matter who does it.  The first assault inflicted by a batterer usually shocks the victim.  It is hard to believe that a person who proclaims love, devotion and commitment to you could violate you.  About 20% of battered women report that the first assault by their partner came during pregnancy.  Thereafter, episodes of violence may be infrequent or frequent, prolonged or short-lived, severe or mild.  Non-violent tactics of control are always coupled with violent conduct.  Violent assaults usually increase in frequency and severity over time.  As the batterer's violence progresses, he may begin to abuse the children and he may direct violence or threats of violence against friends or extended family.  Even those batterers who infrequently use violence regularly remind their battered partners that non-compliance with their demands may precipitate violent assaults.Victims often make up excuses for the abuser's violent behavior, often blaming themselves.  Nothing excuses violence… not a bad day, rudeness, a need for control, or the way someone was raised.  Batterers are often sorry and apologetic afterwards, however in most cases the violent behavior will continue and probably get worse.  If you don't do something about your abusive situation, you are harming the family.  There is evidence to show that children raised in abusive homes are likely to become abusers or victims of abuse in later life.You are not powerless or locked into a battering relationship forever.  You can prepare to leave at the right time.  It often takes time mentally and emotionally to end a violent relationship.  While you are thinking about 'getting out', gather together originals or copies of as many of these important family documents and records as you can: birth certificate for yourself and your children; deed or lease to your home; checkbook, extra checks and bank statements; car registration, title, extra keys; social security cards; marriage license; tax returns  and W2's (last three years); insurance policies and premiums; paycheck stubs for both you and your spouse; picture ID; joint credit cards; children's shot records; and documentation of household possessions.  Many of these documents will be necessary in order for you to obtain housing, pubic assistance, and free or inexpensive legal services.  It is a good idea to set aside what extra cash you can in a safe place.  Hide an extra set of car and home keys outside the house or at a neighbor's and pack an extra set of clothes and shoes for yourself and your children.  These items can be stored with a neighbor, friend or your church.  As soon as you do make contact with one of the domestic violence centers, ask about a 'protection order'.If however you are in immediate danger and find a chance to leave, do so.  Later, law enforcement can accompany you back to your home for personal items and the other items mentioned above.    Call the toll-free, 24 hour, Kansas Crisis Hotline at 1-888-END-ABUSE.  They can be of great assistance as well. 

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Safety

Mickey De Hook

2001-09-01 10:10:00

Question:  I am 22 year old with incredibly high insurance due to a recent wreck that I received blame for.  Had a witness of the accident stopped to offer a statement, the outcome of who was at fault may have been different.  Incidentally, the statement offered by my passenger was not accepted because she was my friend.  What should people do if they have witnessed an accident?  Are their legal implications involved?

Answer:  Thanks for your question! A person who witnesses a traffic crash should come forward and cooperate with law enforcement.....giving their eye witness account of what he or she observed; however, the witness is not required by law to come forward. Some people are just reluctant to get involved.Fortunately, most people are willing to come forth and provide a verbal and/or a written statement to law enforcement. If a person comes up to you prior to the arrival of the police and acknowledges that he or she witnessed the collision but cannot wait around, request their name, address and telephone number. Keep in mind that a person may be subpoenaed to appear in traffic court or at a civil hearing to tell what he or she knows. As to the legal implications involved, aside from honoring the subpoena and providing truthful testimony, there are none. Upon arrival, the traffic investigator will examine and reconstruct the crash scene to determine the cause and contributing factors. Aside from the evidence i.e.; skid marks, point of impact, location of the vehicles and debris at the time of the collision, etc; the witness statement is one part of the overall investigation.WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE IN A COLLISION:After a collision some people may panic or react in strange ways. They may also be injured and/or in a state of shock. Try to remain calm, do not argue with the other driver. Call the police... if someone is injured try to make them comfortable... exchange information... get names and addresses of witnesses, stay at the scene, and have your driver's license, insurance card, and registration papers together for the police.SAFETY TIP: To be a safe driver, we must be alert of everything that is happening around us......EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!