A new law allows the Kansas Department of Transportation to erect highway signs as memorials to the victims of drunk driving.
The Kyle Thornburg and Kylie Jobe Believe Act, named after a young couple who lost their lives in 2011 on I-70, requires the secretary of transportation to design a memorial sign containing the names and ages of victims of drugs or alcohol accidents.
The signs would be placed along highways in spots near the location of an accident. A family member may request a sign. As long as the victim, or the driver of the victim's car, was not violating Kansas law during the time of the accident, the sign will be approved.
The secretary of transportation needs to have collected gifts and donations to cover the cost of the sign, as well as 50 percent of the estimated future maintenance costs. A renewal fee will also be charged every ten years.
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Aileen LeBlanc is news director at KMUW. Follow her on Twitter @Aileen_LeBlanc.
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