Kansas Accident Statistics

Statistic News

  • Accident Causes

    Lack of Seat Belt Use Leads to Sedgwick Fatalities

    Sedgwick County (May 16, 2022) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has reported that Sedgwick County leads the state in traffic accident fatalities. The agency noted that many Kansas car accident fatalities were due to drivers and passengers failing to use seat belts. Many of these deaths could have been avoided through proper seat belt use.

    Assistant Bureau Chief of Transportation Safety for the Kansas Department of Transportation Chris Bortz noted, “Buckling up costs you nothing. Not buckling up could cost you everything. Buckle up for every trip, every time.” The Kansas personal injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group remind you that it only takes a few seconds to buckle your seat belt. It’s a simple action that could save your life. Source: KDOT

    October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

    Statewide (October 5, 2021) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) would like to remind you that October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. Every year, thousands of people are killed in pedestrian accidents, with thousands more injured. Most of these accidents are avoidable with proper safety habits.

    In addition to distracted driving and inattentive pedestrians, many accidents occur due to a lack of safe paths. “A lack of safe crossings, sidewalks, or separated paths creates potentially fatal interactions where the pedestrian doesn’t stand a chance against a vehicle,” said KDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Jenny Kramer. Thankfully, local Kansas governments are working hard to make their towns safer for pedestrians. Source: KDOT

    Kansas to Spend $5.2 Million on Rails

    Statewide (September 8, 2021) – Governor Laura Kelly has announced that the state will spend $5.2 million on rail improvements as part of the Short Line Rail Improvement Fund Program. The money will help connect Kansas grain farmers with other businesses, creating conditions that should help everyone thrive. In addition to expansion, existing lines will be improved to enhance efficiency and safety, lowering the number of train accidents.

    Kansas motorists will also benefit from the rail improvements. A larger train network means that fewer trucks will be used to transport grain. Heavy trucks are brutal on roads, often creating damage that can lead to car accidents. With less truck traffic, Kansas roads should be smoother and safer. Source: Kansas.gov

    KDOT Issues Labor Day Warning

    Statewide (August 26, 2021) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has urged citizens to pull over if they feel the effects of alcohol or drugs while driving. With many people planning to celebrate during Labor Day weekend, the agency is concerned about increased impaired driving car accidents. As such, the agency is emphasizing past campaigns such as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High, Get a DUI.”

    KDOT claims that 20% of all state traffic fatalities in 2019 involved alcohol. Additionally, a recent survey showed that 31% of Kansas motorists thought it was acceptable to drive one hour after using marijuana (KDOT emphasized that it is not).The agency hopes that citizens will follow its advice so that car accidents involving alcohol or drugs will be reduced. Source: KDOT

    15-Year-Old Girl Dies in Pool Accident

    Harvey County (July 28, 2021) – A 15-year-old old girl drowned in a swimming pool accident at a private pool in Harvey County, a few miles north of Wichita. The girl was swimming alone and unsupervised when she was found by other members of the household. First responders were called to the home at 9:30 p.m. She was given CPR on site and brought to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

    Patterson Legal Group sends its condolences to the girl’s family. Thousands of people across the state enjoy their swimming pools to cool off during the summer. However, it’s important to make sure that someone is always watching the pool and available to provide assistance. Proper adult supervision is an essential element of preventing swimming pool accidents and drownings that can lead to tragic deaths. Source: AP

    Kansas Roundabout Construction Increasing

    Statewide (June 24, 2021) – Roundabouts or traffic circles are becoming more and more common in Kansas. In addition to helping traffic flow, roundabouts have been proven to reduce car accidents compared to traditional stop signs and traffic lights. Unfortunately, some Kansas roundabout accidents happen because drivers are unfamiliar with how to use them properly.

    To address this issue, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) offers a guide on roundabouts. By learning the rules of roundabout use, drivers in Kansas will get to where they’re going to faster and more safely. Should you get into a traffic circle accident, please contact Patterson Legal Group for immediate assistance. Source: KDOT

    KDOT Offers Youth Bicycle Safety Tips

    Statewide (May 20, 2021) – As school ends and the summer heats up, more and more kids will be outside on their bicycles. This makes summertime a potentially more dangerous period for bicycle accidents. To help keep our youngsters safe, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) offers 10 simple tips that will greatly increase the safety of bikers in your family.

    Patterson Legal Group urges you to go over these tips (linked below) with the children in your family. Increased activity in the summer from young bikers and young drivers can be a dangerous mix. Summertime bike accidents can lead to broken bones or something as serious as a spinal injury. Our team is available 24/7 should your child get into a bicycle accident. Source and Tips: KDOT

    KDOT Joins Distracted Driving Campaign

    Statewide (April 20, 2021) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has announced that it will be joining the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) distracted driving campaign. KDOT notes that 9% of car accident fatalities in 2019 were caused by distracted drivers. Unfortunately, distracted driving is one of the fastest growing causes of car accidents in America.

    Patterson Legal Group encourages you and the drivers in your family to learn about the dangers of distracted driving. With a little bit of education and the use of strong safety practices, we can work together to eliminate these highly preventable accidents. Should you get hit and injured by a distracted driver, our team is available to assist you 24/7. Source: KDOT

    KDOT Warns Against Flooding

    Statewide (March 17, 2021) – Heavy rains have been forecasted for parts of Kansas. With this in mind, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has cautioned residents to “turn around, don’t drown.” The agency noted that six inches of rainfall is more than enough to cause slips and falls, one foot is enough to cause cars to float, and two feet can carry away most motor vehicles.

    Patterson Legal Group echoes KDOT’s advice. If the rain is coming down hard and you don’t have to drive or walk, please stay where you are and keep safe. Should you get injured in a car accident during a heavy storm, please contact us for immediate assistance. Source: KDOT

  • Accident Statistics

    Kansas Traffic Deaths Up 4.5%

    Statewide (May 10, 2022) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) have reported 117 traffic accident deaths this year. This figure is based on preliminary data through May 4, 2022 and represents a 4.5% increase over the same time period in 2021. Top causes of Kansas car accidents include speeding, reckless driving, and improper seat belt use.

    The state agencies urge motorists to visit the Drive to Zero website to educate themselves on various safety issues. By learning the rules of the road and how to drive safely, we can help get traffic deaths as close to zero as possible. Unfortunately, some accidents happen no matter how safe you’re being. Contact a Kansas injury lawyer immediately should you get into an accident. Source: KDOT

    Traffic Deaths Up in 2021

    Statewide (January 10, 2022) – Preliminary data from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) lists 425 traffic deaths statewide in 2021, up 1% from 2020. As is the case in many states, distracted driving is the fastest growing cause of car accidents in Kansas. KDOT cited mobile phone use as the most common cause of distracted driving, contributing to 37% of deaths and 25% of injuries in all Kansas distracted driving accidents.

    While a 1% increase in traffic deaths is lower than what many other states have reported, Patterson Legal Group would love to see that number decrease. Thankfully, many car accidents are avoidable through education and strong safety practices. Patterson Legal Group encourages you and the drivers in your family to review your safety knowledge and practices as 2022 starts. Source: KDOT

    Kansas Ranked 19th-Worst Driving State

    Statewide (October 22, 2021) – Kansas was ranked the 19th-worst driving state in America in a study conducted by QuoteWizard. The study analyzed more than two-million insurance quotes and ranked all 50 American states. The factors that determined the rankings included car accidents, citations, speeding tickets, and DUIs.

    States with the most driving incidents ranked lower, while states with the least driving incidents ranked higher. Kansas, unfortunately, was ranked slightly worse than average. Patterson Legal Group hopes that drivers in our fine state work to improve this ranking by driving carefully and avoiding distracted driving. Source: QuoteWizard

    Mobile Phones Are the Leading Cause of Distracted Driving

    Statewide (September 23, 2021) – Distracted driving has been the fastest-growing cause of car accidents nationwide for the last decade. In Kansas, mobile phone use has been the leading cause of distracted driving accidents. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), mobile phone use by drivers led to 30 deaths and 1,448 personal injuries between 2010 and 2015.

    Compared to other electronic devices used by drivers in accidents, mobile phone use led to roughly seven times more deaths and three times more injuries. Phone use accounted for 37% of deaths and 25% of injuries in all Kansas distracted driving accidents. Other causes of Kansas distracted driving accidents include applying makeup, shaving, reading newspapers, taking care of children, and eating while driving. Source: KDOT

    Wichita Pedestrian Fatalities on the Rise

    Wichita (August 19, 2021) – There have been seven Wichita pedestrian accident fatalities so far in 2021, which is an alarming rise from five in 2019 and 2020. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), 18 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents statewide. Although Wichita is the largest city in Kansas, having so many pedestrian deaths after just seven months is disturbing.

    Patterson Legal Group urges you to be cautious while walking in Wichita. Be sure to wear brightly colored or reflective clothing at night. If possible, stick to sidewalks and well-lit areas. Be especially careful around work zones, as space will be limited. Drivers, please keep an eye out for pedestrians, especially at night when they may be difficult to see. Source: KDOT

    Highest Car Crash Fatalities in July

    Statewide (July 22, 2021) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) reported that July had more car accident fatalities than any other month in 2019. The agency reported 46 car crash deaths, which accounted for 11.2% of all crash fatalities that year. October was the only other month in double digits.

    Patterson Legal Group reminds you to be especially careful while driving in the summertime. Summer car accidents tend to be common for a combination of reasons, including tourists that are unfamiliar with Kansas road, more teen drivers while school is out, and an increase in work zone activity during the warm weather. No matter the reason, should you get injured in a car accident this summer, please contact us for assistance immediately. Source: KDOT

    56% of Kansas Fatalities Did Not Use Seat Belts

    Statewide (June 10, 2021) – Data from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) shows that more than half of the Kansas car accident fatalities in 2019 involved people not wearing seat belts. The agency claims that 186 of the 333 car crash victims did not use seat belts.

    Although seat belt use is required by law in Kansas, some people choose not to wear them. As the data shows, that choice can have disastrous consequences. Patterson Legal Group encourages you to always wear a seat belt while driving or riding in a vehicle. Please share the importance of proper seat belt use with your family and friends, so that we can all make Kansas roads safer. Source: KDOT

    Memorial Day Car Accident Stats

    Statewide (May 6, 2021) – According to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), there are an average of 450 Memorial Day weekend car crashes every year. These car accidents resulted in approximately 99 personal injuries, annually. Roughly 28 Memorial Day weekend car wrecks per year involve alcohol.

    Patterson Legal Group reminds you to drive cautiously during Memorial Day weekend. Many people will be celebrating with family and friends, and libations will be plentiful. Many people are expecting more boisterous celebrations than usual as COVID-19 restrictions ease and people get vaccinated. Should you get injured in a Memorial Day weekend car accident, our team is available to help you 24/7. Source: KDOT

    Reckless Driving Remains a Problem in Kansas

    Statewide (April 8, 2021) – In 2019, 209 people were killed and 4,114 were injured in car accidents caused by reckless driving, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). While those figures weren’t an increase, they were inline with statistics from the previous five years, showing that reckless driving remains a significant issue in Kansas.

    Patterson Legal Group hopes that you and the drivers in your household obey all traffic laws and follow all posted speed limits. Doing so helps keep you and your fellow drivers safe. If you or someone in your family was injured by a reckless driver, please know that our legal team is available to assist you 24/7. Source: KDOT

    Young Drivers Lead Distracted Driving Accidents

    Statewide (March 22, 2021) – According to data from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), drivers between the ages of 14 and 19 were involved in more distracted driving car accidents than any other age group. The next two leading age groups were also Kansas drivers under the age of 30. For the most part, older drivers tend to be less involved in Kansas car crashes caused by distracted driving.

    Patterson Legal Group urges you to drive safely and be mindful of the numerous causes of distracted driving. It has become a larger cause of traffic accidents over the last decade, partially due to the advanced capabilities of mobile phones. If you or a loved one have been injured by a distracted driver, please contact us for prompt assistance. Source: KDOT

  • News

    KDOT Recommendations For Driving in the Rain

    Statewide (May 25, 2022) – Heavy rains have been hitting large portions of Kansas and are expected to continue throughout the week. As such, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) reminds residents and visitors to exercise proper safety measures in order to avoid a weather-related accident, including driving slowly and keeping headlights on while windshield wipers are engaged.

    Should weather conditions become extreme, KDOT urges you to “turn around, don’t drown” in order to avoid a car accident. Should you get hurt in a car crash during the heavy rains, please note that Patterson Legal Group is available to assist you 24 you a day, 7 days a week. Source: KDOT

    Free COVID Tests Available January 19

    Statewide (January 17, 2022) – The federal government has launched a new website that allows United States households to receive four free COVID-19 tests. Starting January 19, 2022 people can go to COVIDtests.gov to sign up for free tests. The tests and shipping costs are free, and credit card information is not required to sign up.

    In other COVID-19 news, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its mask guidelines. The agency notes that N95 and KN95 masks offer a higher degree of protection than surgical masks, which are still preferred over cloth masks. Regardless of mask type, a proper seal is needed for optimal protection. Souce: COVIDtests.gov

    Kansans Share Their Accident Stories

    Statewide (September 30, 2021) – As part of its “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day” safety blog series, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is sharing stories from 14 people that have lost loved ones or had their lives saved in accidents. The stories include incidents of distracted driving, car crashes, improper seat belt use, and more.

    Although traffic accidents are unfortunately common, some people think of them as things that only happen to others. The goal of the safety blog series is to attach faces and names to the accidents, so people realize that accidents can happen to them too. Ultimately, KDOT hopes that people take these stories to heart so that whenever they travel, they can arrive safely. Source: KDOT

    KDOT Announces “Put the Brakes on Fatalities” Contest

    Statewide (August 9, 2021) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has announced a contest for students to help prevent car accident fatalities by encouraging motorists to drive more cautiously. The theme of the contest is “Put the Brakes on Fatalities.” Students ages 5 to 13 are invited to create posters, while students in grades 8-12 are invited to submit videos.

    Prizes for the poster contest include an Amazon Kindle Fire tablet, a $50 Amazon gift card, movie passes, and money to be given to the student’s school, class, or booster club. Prizes for the video contest include a GoPro action camera, a DJI stabilizer, a DJI drone, and money for the student’s school, class, or booster organization. Source: KDOT

    Two Additional Bacterium Possible at Tanganyika Splash Park

    Goddard (July 6, 2021) – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) said that coliform and E. coli may have been present at Tanganyika Splash Park, in addition to the Shigella that was found to have made patrons sick. The agency said that park visitors have tested positive for the norovirus, sapovirus, and enteropathogenic E. coli. The KDHE is currently investigating if these infections were caused by contamination at the park.

    Patterson Legal Group is currently fighting hard for the rights of people infected with Shigella at Tanganyika Splash Park. If you or a loved one have gotten ill after visiting Tanganyika Wildlife Park then contact us immediately. Source: The Wichita Eagle

    Two Injured in Apartment Fire

    Wichita (June 15, 2021) – Two people were critically injured in an apartment building fire at the 400 block of Hydraulic, near the Kellogg and I-135 interchange. Firefighters were able to put out the fire and resuscitate a dog. Two people have been displaced after water damage made their apartments inhospitable. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

    Patterson Legal Group applauds the Wichita Fire Department for containing the fire. Apartment building fires can lead to chemical and fire burns, lung damage, and other personal injuries. If you’ve suffered an injury stemming from a fire and suspect that it was caused by another party’s negligence or recklessness, then contact us right away to find out how we are prepared to help you get maximum compensation. Souce: KAKE

    Bird Announces Bird Three Scooter

    Wichita (June 1, 2021) – Popular scooter-rental service Bird has unveiled its latest model — the Bird Three. The company is touting the Bird Three as “the world’s most eco-conscious scooter.” In addition to its enhanced sustainability, the latest model also has improved safety features to reduce injuries, including “dual independent handbrakes and the industry’s only autonomous emergency braking.”

    Patterson Legal Group looks forward to the Bird Three being available in Wichita. The scooters offer an inexpensive and eco-friendly way to navigate the city. While the additional safety features are fantastic, please follow all traffic laws and drive safely. Should you get injured in a scooter accident, please contact us for immediate legal assistance. Source: Bird

    KDOT Reminds People to Use Seat Belts

    Statewide (May 20, 2021) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) will roll out its “Who Do You Make it Home For?” campaign from May 24 to June 6. The agency hopes to encourage seat belt use and remind citizens how important seat belts are to safety. It notes that 49% of traffic fatalities in 2019 consisted of people that did not wear seat belts.

    Patterson Legal Group reminds you to always wear a seat belt while driving or riding in a car. Not only will it keep you exponentially safer in the event of a car accident, but it’s also the law. Should you suffer any injuries in a car wreck, please know that our team is available 24/7 to assist you. Source: KDOT

    Kansas Goes Orange For Work Zone Awareness

    Statewide (April 26, 2021) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has announced that several state buildings will feature orange lighting to spread awareness of Work Zone Safety Week. The Governor’s Mansion, the Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge, Topeka City Hall, and more will be lit orange this week.

    Patterson Legal Group reminds you to drive safely near work zones. Car accidents increase near work zones due to additional debris, narrower lanes, distraction due to worker activity, and more. Should you or a driver in your family get into a work zone accident, please contact us immediately. Source: KDOT

    Lime Investing $50-million in E-Bikes

    Wichita (March 5, 2021) – Bicycle and scooter rental service Lime has announced that it will invest an additional $50-million to improve its e-bike fleet. Its next-generation e-bikes will have increased motor power, phone holders, a new handlebar display that aligns with Lime’s scooters for a standardized display across vehicle types, and an automatic two-speed transmission that provides a smoother ride.

    Patterson Legal Group is pleased to learn that Wichita will have additional transportation options that are affordable. Please keep in mind that some Lime customers may be inexperienced at riding e-bikes and scooters. Should you get into a bicycle accident or scooter accident in Wichita, please note that our staff is available 24/7 to assist you. Source: Lime