Kansas has fewest traffic deaths since 2015

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansas' roads are becoming safer for drivers to travel on in 2024.

Governor Laura Kelly announced that Kansas had less than 400 traffic deaths in 2023. Data indicates that in 2023, Kansas had 388 traffic deaths compared to 410 in 2022. Traffic deaths have been on a downtrend for three years, according to the Office of the Governor.

“Safe roads save lives, which is why I have been relentless about repairing our infrastructure across the state,” Kelly said. “I’ll work with the legislature to continue to make those necessary investments, and in the meantime, we must all do our part to reduce traffic fatalities. I encourage all Kansans to buckle up, follow posted speed limits, avoid distractions, and drive sober.”  

The Governor's Office partially attributed the improvements to the 10-year, $10 billion Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program and efforts to close the 'Bank of KDOT'.

Drive to Zero Coalition, a web-based dashboard for agencies and individuals to see crash trends and data from across the state, is crediting the Kansas Strategic Highway Safety Plan with helping lower the number of deaths and serious injuries.

“The state’s Safety Plan has resulted in increased behavioral safety messaging and low-cost engineering improvements, such as the designation of four Safety Corridors, communities building safety coalitions, and law enforcement increasing engagement with the public,” said Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed.   

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