TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that for the first time since 2015, Kansas saw less than 400 traffic fatalities last year. Preliminary data for 2023 indicates 388 people died in traffic crashes in Kansas, compared to 410 fatalities in 2022. The number of fatalities has been trending down for three consecutive years.
Roadway safety has improved, in part, thanks to the Kelly administration’s 10-year, $10 billion Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program and efforts to close the ‘Bank of KDOT.’
“Safe roads save lives, which is why I have been relentless about repairing our infrastructure across the state,” Governor Laura 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 simple act of buckling up increases crash survivability by over 45%, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. The Drive To Zero Coalition credits initiatives included in the Kansas Strategic Highway Safety Plan to helping lower fatalities 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.
