UPDATE: Monday, May 14, 2012
Following a deadly crash in Riley County Monday morning, one believed to involved alcohol, the Kansas Highway Patrol is reminding drivers of the dangers of drinking and driving.
Nearly 1,400 college students die in alcohol-related crashes every year.
More than 500,000 students suffer injuries while drinking.
KHP says this time of year, it's important to remember the dangers of drinking and driving, especially during celebrations and graduations.
"We want to remind people that even though we want to celebrate and have fun with this time of year, don't let alcohol enter into the celebration if they're going to be driving," said Trooper Gary Warner, Kansas Highway Patrol.
Studies show nearly 20% of teen crashes involve distracted drivers.
Trooper Warner says that's just one more reason to make sure your driver is sober and aware.
"If we add in other issues, whether it's alcohol consumption, or distractions, it has a compounding effect, increasing the risk of crash. When that happens, there's a risk of serious injury or fatalities."
UPDATE: Monday, May 14, 2012
Two people were killed today in a wrong-way crash in Riley County.
The head-on collision happened around 3 a.m. Monday on K-18 near Scenic Drive in Riley County.
A pickup was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes, striking a car head-on. Two people inside the car died at the scene. The victims have been identified as Elizabeth Young, 31, of White City, and Michael Stanley, 32 of Ogden.
Four people in the pickup truck were hurt. Miles Theurer, 23, of Wellington was the driver. His passengers were Joseph Iliff, 25 of Manhattan, Andrew Mason, 25, of Monument, Colorado, and Lance Schmidt, 23, of Monroe, Nebraska. Iliff and Schmidt were taken to a Topeka hospital. Theurer and Mason were treated at Manhattan Mercy Hospital.
Troopers said alcohol likely played a factor in the crash.
The highway reopened to traffic at 9:30 a.m. after a six-and-a-half-hour shutdown.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Riley County authorities are investigating a deadly early morning accident.
Crews were called to the scene on K-18 in Riley County around 3 a.m. Monday.
KAKE's sister station, WIBW reports at least two people died and four others have been injured.
Officials closed Fort Riley Blvd. in both directions while crews worked to clear the scene.
No names have been released.
