MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
With summer in full swing and visitors flocking to local events, the Hutchinson Police Department is stepping up its traffic enforcement efforts to keep residents and guests safe on the roads.
Officer Lane Hammond, who’s served more than four years with the department’s Traffic Unit, says the department is now fully staffed — a welcome boost to ongoing safety campaigns like the “Click It or Ticket” initiative and the annual July Speeding Campaign.
The speeding campaign, sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), runs through July 15 and focuses on cracking down on drivers who exceed speed limits, especially in high-traffic areas near fairgrounds and downtown. “We’re just trying to get people to slow down again,” Hammond said, adding that the program doesn’t cost the city thanks to state funding.
Speed Zones and New Patrol Tools
Hammond reminds drivers to pay close attention to changing speed limits, especially downtown. Main Street, for example, varies from 30 mph to 20 mph depending on the block. Residential streets remain at 30 mph unless otherwise posted.
The department’s four motorcycle officers — now riding two new Harley-Davidsons alongside older models — will be highly visible during the campaign. They use radar and lidar guns to detect speeding vehicles and are easily spotted thanks to their updated uniforms.
Keeping Roads Clear and Safe
With Hutchinson seeing frequent construction and resurfacing projects, Hammond urges drivers to slow down in neighborhoods and watch for equipment on the roads. He also reminds motorists about Kansas’ “Move Over” law, recently expanded to require drivers to move over or slow down for any vehicle on the roadside with hazard lights on — not just emergency vehicles.
Abandoned or broken-down vehicles must be moved within 72 hours to avoid becoming hazards, Hammond said.
School Zones and Pedestrian Safety
Looking ahead, the department is preparing for back-to-school season with improved school zone safety measures. Three new flashing crosswalk signals are being installed, with more planned to help protect students crossing busy streets. Officer Hammond also noted that trouble spots like the pedestrian crossing by Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Community College are under close watch.
Merging Hazards and Common Violations
One recurring challenge for officers is enforcing proper merging and turning practices — and discouraging “J-turns” downtown, where drivers illegally cross multiple lanes to snag a parking spot. “Just go around the block,” Hammond said. “It’s safer for everyone.”
Community Feedback Encouraged
Residents can report road hazards, illegal parking, or traffic concerns through the city’s “SeeClickFix” tool on the Hutchinson city website — a resource that Hammond calls the department’s “bread and butter” for community input.
As Hutchinson braces for a busy summer of events, Officer Hammond says the department’s top priority remains clear: “We want everyone to get where they’re going safely.”