Kansas Traffic Safety Section

The KDOT Bureau of Transportation Safety and Technology strives to improve the quality of life for the traveling public by reducing the number of motor vehicle fatalities, injuries and crashes. The Bureau influences human behavior by identifying problems and implementing effective educational and enforcement programs focusing on prevention.

Kansas is experiencing a downward trend in the crash rate, fatal crash rate and injury crash rate over the last three decades, in spite of the increasing number of drivers and vehicles on the road. The fatality death rate dropped to 1.4 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, in 2007. The 2007 injury rate of 75.43 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled reached its lowest level since 1968, the first year records were kept. While these figures point to positive change, every year approximately 420 motorists lose their lives on Kansas roadways. Additionally, 22,000 are injured each year.

Traffic Safety is a relatively small office consisting of ten personnel. Using a combination of federal & state funds the agency directs the state wide education, deterrence and prevention of serious vehicle injuries. The Bureau concentrates on two main areas of safety; occupant protection and drunk driving.

Occupant Protection – The Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office (KTSRO) is contracted by the Kansas Department of Transportation to promote occupant protection in the State of Kansas. With a primary focus on saving lives and reducing injuries, KTSRO encourages Kansans to buckle up and travel safely on every ride. Additionally, KTSRO aims to increase statewide awareness about Child Passenger Safety, airbags and other occupant protection devices through educational classes, seminars and programming.