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Kansas drivers may be surprised to learn that obeying the posted speed limit during severe weather doesn’t always mean they’re driving legally—or safely.
Poor road conditions caused by heavy rain, sleet, or snow can drastically reduce visibility and traction, making normal speed limits unsafe and potentially subject to fines.
Hazardous Weather Can Make the Posted Speed Limit Unsafe
Severe weather events such as downpours, sleet, and icy conditions significantly impact road safety across Kansas. Even when the speed limit signs indicate one number, traveling at that pace during dangerous weather could put both drivers and their vehicles at risk.
Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) spokesperson Jodi Clary emphasized that motorists must rely on judgment when navigating hazardous roads. She warns that in poor conditions, the posted speed alone is not a sufficient guide for safe travel.
“If the roads are bad, there’s really not a speed that’s too slow,” Clary said.
Drivers are encouraged to slow down as much as needed to avoid collisions, skidding, or losing control.
Staying Home Is Best During Snow and Ice Events
When snowstorms or icy weather strike, Clary said the KHP strongly advises residents to stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary. For those who do need to drive, Kansas statute K.S.A. 8-1557, known as the basic speed law, outlines how drivers must adjust their speed to match real-time hazards.
What Kansas’s Basic Speed Law Requires
Under K.S.A. 8-1557, drivers must travel at speeds that are “reasonable and prudent” considering existing conditions. This includes:
- Weather-related hazards
- Pedestrian activity
- Traffic volume
- Curves, hills, and narrow roads
- Intersections and railroad crossings
The law clearly states that no driver may operate a vehicle faster than what is safe for the circumstances—even if that speed is below the posted limit.
You Can Be Ticketed Even When Following the Speed Limit
Clary noted that KHP troopers are authorized to cite drivers for unsafe speeds even when they are technically following the posted limit. Factors like heavy snow, ice, or rain can reduce vehicle traction and increase stopping distance, making speed adjustments essential.
“When your vehicle speeds up, obviously that traction with the road or surface becomes an issue,” Clary explained.
The law aims to prevent crashes caused by drivers who fail to account for weather conditions that demand slower, more cautious driving.
Avoiding Traffic Disruptions During Poor Conditions
The Kansas Driving Handbook also reminds motorists to avoid creating disruptions in traffic flow. This means drivers should not attempt to pass others by speeding up during unsafe road conditions.
Once again, Clary stressed:
“The slower the better.”
Drivers can also review additional winter driving tips through the KHP website.
Driving safely in Kansas requires more than simply following posted speed limit signs—especially during harsh weather.
The state’s basic speed law demands that motorists slow down when hazardous conditions arise, and failing to do so may result in fines, even if drivers believe they are obeying the law.
By adjusting speed, avoiding risky maneuvers, and staying home when conditions are severe, Kansas residents can keep themselves and others safe on the roads.