Kansas Accident Statistics

KDOT Urges Sober Driving on St. Patrick’s Day

Statewide (March 6, 2024) – In a press release shared today, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) urges drivers to plan ahead and secure a designated driver or take advantage of alternative transportation methods this St. Patrick’s Day, in a bid to cut down on drunk driving.

The Kansas car wreck lawyers at Patterson Legal Group ask that drivers keep it safe and fun this St. Patrick’s Day. And if you are injured by an impaired driver, reach out as soon as possible for your case evaluation and consultation. Source: KRSL

KSDOT Releases Drive Sober Big Game Plan for Chiefs Fans

Statewide (February 5, 2024) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KSDOT) has released a Drive Sober game plan for fans cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend. KSDOT has collaborated with the Drive To Zero Coalition to remind fans to drive sober, to not allow friends and family to drive drunk, and to set up designated drivers as needed.

From Feb. 8 through Feb. 11, Kansas law enforcement agencies around the state will focus on detecting, arresting, and removing impaired drivers from the road. The Kansas car crash attorneys at Patterson Legal Group ask that Chiefs fans celebrate responsibly this weekend. If you’ve been hurt in a wreck caused by a drunk driver, contact us today for a free case evaluation. Source: KSDOT

Slow Down to Stay Safe in Work Zones

Statewide (August 16, 2023) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KSDOT) reminds drivers to slow down while driving near and in work zones in order to avoid a car wreck. Construction areas add numerous obstacles and create conditions that can lead to a work zone accident. Slowing down and driving cautiously around construction areas greatly increases your safety.

Patterson Legal Group hopes that you follow KSDOT’s advice. Unfortunately, some people do not exercise caution when driving around work zones, which can be dangerous to other drivers. Should such a driver cause an accident that causes you an injury then contact our Kansas lawyers immediately. Source: KSDOT

El Nino Could Lead to More Accidents

Statewide (June 1, 2023) – El Nino weather conditions have formed in the Pacific Ocean, which can mean a cooler but wetter summer in Kansas. The increased rainfall could lead to more car accidents, since roads will be slicker than usual. Patterson Legal Group advises you and the drivers in your family to learn these safety tips for driving in the rain.

Driving in the summer is typically more dangerous than the rest of the year and the potential for more rainfall increases your chances of a car crash further. Should you get into a weather-related accident this summer, please contact Patterson Legal Group for immediate assistance. Source: FOX4

Highway Mowers Can Lead to Accidents

Statewide (May 5, 2023) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) reminds motorists to “Go Slow While We Mow.” KDOT’s landscaping crews work hard to keep the grass along the highway safe and tidy. Unfortunately, some drivers are distracted by large mowers, while others drive recklessly and do not give the workers the courtesy that they deserve.

Patterson Legal Group echoes KDOT’s advice and asks you to drive cautiously if you spot a mower or tractor working on the freeway. Giving KDOT workers the space and respect they deserve will help keep them safe and help you avoid a car accident. Source: KDOT

Three Main Causes of Distracted Driving

Statewide (April 3, 2023) – The Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office (KTSRO) claims that 20% of the state’s car crashes are caused by distracted driving. As April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the team at Patterson Legal Group wants to make sure that you and drivers in your household understand the three major types of distracted driving. Understanding cognitive, manual, and visual distractions goes a long way towards avoiding them.

Should you get into a car accident caused by a distracted driver then contact our car accident lawyers immediately. Our team of experienced Kansas injury lawyers are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver. Source: KTSRO

Spring = More Bicyclists + Pedestrians

Statewide (March 20, 2023) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) reminds drivers that spring is here, and with it comes more people riding their bikes or going out for walks. Some motorists will need time to acclimate to the increased activity. KDOT urges you to err on the side of caution in order to avoid car accidents.

Patterson Legal Group supports KDOT’s messages and asks drivers to be mindful of others. By working together to share the road safely, we can lower the number of bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents. Our staff is available 24/7 should you get into an accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party. Source: KDOT

KDOT Reminds You to Keep Your Glass Clear

Statewide (November 14, 2022) – With evening temperatures already dipping into the teens, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) reminds you to make sure that your car’s windshield and windows are clear before driving. The decreased visibility that comes with ice and snow accumulation increases your chances of a car accident.

Patterson Legal Group echoes KDOT’s advice and urges you to make sure that your car is ready for the winter before heavy snowfall begins. Sadly, weather-related fatalities are more common than most people think. The good news is that there are many simple things that you can do to get your car ready for winter that will greatly decrease your chances of an accident. Source: KDOT

Wichita Public Schools Open August 15

Wichita (August 8, 2022) – Wichita Public Schools (WPS) open on August 15, 2022. WPS has 89 schools that serve more than 46,000. Motorists will have to get reacclimated to school traffic patterns. As drivers and students get used to sharing the road, the chances of bus accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents will be higher during the second half of August.

Patterson Legal Group urges you to drive carefully and slowly while in and around school zones. Getting used to bus and student traffic takes some time. If a student in your family has been injured in a school zone accident caused by negligence or recklessness then contact us immediately. Source: WPS

KDOT Emphasizes Pedestrian Visibility

Statewide (July 27, 2022) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) reminds pedestrians and drivers that lowering pedestrian accidents is a two-way street. KDOT shares tips for both walkers and motorists to follow. The agency claims that poor visibility causes many pedestrian accidents. Walkers can improve visibility by wearing bright or reflective clothing, only crossing the street at bright intersections, and sticking to sidewalks or pedestrian paths.

The agency also urges drivers to always keep an eye out for pedestrians, never pass other vehicles at a crosswalk, and to avoid distracted driving. Following these tips will help keep walkers and bicyclists safe, while reducing the number of Kansas car accidents. Source: KDOT

Kansas Traffic Injuries up from Last Year

Statewide (March 13, 2024) – According to data from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), traffic injuries are up by 2% compared to the same time last year. Traffic injuries totaled 13,132 in the last year data was available, while that number stood at 12,874 the year prior.

The Kansas car wreck lawyers at Patterson Legal Group ask motorists to drive safely and remind them that should they need help with a car wreck personal injury claim, they reach out as soon as possible for a free case evaluation. Source: KDOT

Kansas Traffic Fatalities Lowest Since 2015

Statewide (February 6, 2024) – On February 6, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced that for the first time since 2015, Kansas saw less than 400 traffic fatalities in the prior year. Preliminary data for 2023 shows that 388 people died in traffic crashes in Kansas, compared to 410 fatalities the year before. The number of fatalities has been trending down for three consecutive years now.

The Kansas car accident lawyers here at Patterson Legal Group are pleased to see these numbers heading in the right direction. If you or a loved one were recently injured in a car wreck caused by someone else, reach out to us today to receive your free case evaluation. Source: KDOT

Traffic Crashes Down

Statewide (1/18/24) – As part of its Strategic Highway Safety Plan, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is reporting that with a goal of reaching 208 traffic fatalities by 2029, the number of deaths stood at 403 in 2018. While this is a reduction from previous years, 2,032 people in Kansas lost their lives in car accidents between 2014 and 2018.

The personal injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group want to remind you it’s never been more important to practice road safety. If you or a loved one suffered injuries following a car accident in Kansas, get in touch with us today for a free case evaluation. Source: KDOT

Pedestrian Fatalities and Speed

Statewide (October 27, 2023) – As part of Pedestrian Safety Month, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KSDOT) has posted stats showing the correlation between pedestrian accident fatalities and automobile speed. The agency claims that 13% of pedestrians will die from a serious injury if hit by a vehicle traveling 20mph, 40% at 30mph, and 73% at 40mph.

The Kansas injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group remind you to reduce your speed and be mindful of pedestrians in order to prevent avoidable deaths. If you’ve lost a loved one due to a speeding vehicle then contact us for assistance in filing a wrongful death claim. Source: KSDOT

1,237 Work Zone Accidents in 2021

Statewide (May 12, 2023) – The Kansas Department of Transportation reported 1,237 work zone accidents in 2021. With the weather warming up throughout the state, construction activity is ramping up. Increased construction also increases the likelihood of a car accident in or near work zones. Patterson Legal Group urges you to drive through construction areas slowly and carefully.

Should you get into a work zone accident, the Kansas injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group are available to assist you 24/7. Give us a call today if you’ve been injured in a construction zone due to the reckless actions of another party. Source: KSDOT

Pedestrian Deaths Down Two Years in a Row

Statewide (March 30, 2023) – Preliminary data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) indicates that pedestrian accident fatalities were down for the second year in a row in Kansas. The agency projected approximately 34% fewer pedestrian deaths in 2022 than in 2021. Kansas and Nevada were the only two states with two years of declines in pedestrian fatalities.

Patterson Legal Group is thrilled to learn that our state’s sidewalks and streets are safer for pedestrians. Our team encourages motorists to be mindful of pedestrians so that we can continue to move towards zero pedestrian deaths caused by car accidents. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe. Source: GHSA

Larger Vehicles Linked to Backover Accidents

Statewide (February 15, 2023) – The popularity of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) has been rising for the last few decades. More than half of consumer vehicles sold in the U.S. are SUVs, which currently outsell sedans by a two-to-one ratio. While people love SUVs for their capacity and convenience, they can be more prone to car accidents than sedans due to their blindspots and higher weight.

Backover accidents, classified as a driver backing up onto a pedestrian, are unfortunately common with larger vehicles. KidsAndCars.org claims that over 60% of backover accident injuries and deaths involved a larger vehicle, such as an SUV or truck. The predominant age of backover victims is 12-23 months. Source: KidsAndCars.org

Helmets Not Used in 57% Of Kansas Motorcycle Deaths

Statewide (September 16, 2022) – The Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) annual report showed that of the 65 drivers that died in motorcycle accidents in 2020, 37 were not wearing helmets. Although Kansas motorcycle helmet laws only require helmet use for riders under the age of 18, data shows that chances of a catastrophic injury or death are greatly lowered through proper helmet use.

Patterson Legal Group reminds you that wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle decreases your risk of a brain injury by 69% and your chance of death by 37% in the event of a crash. Even though helmet use isn’t mandatory, you should probably wear one. Source: KDOT

Kansas Fatalities Up, But Below National Average

Statewide (August 17, 2022) – A recent report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that Kansas traffic fatalities were up 5.6% in Q1 2022 compared to Q1 2021. However, that’s below the national increase of 7% and the regional increase of 12%. Kansas is part of NHTSA Region 7, which also includes Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska.

Patterson Legal Group urges you to do everything in your power to eliminate car accident fatalities. Simple steps like making sure that your car is ready for summer or winter conditions go a long way towards increasing your safety and the safety of your fellow drivers. Together we can drive traffic fatalities as close to zero as possible. Source: NHTSA

Inattention Leading Contributing Factor of Car Accidents

Statewide (July 14, 2022) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has posted a list of the top contributing circumstances to car accidents in 2020. The top three contributing factors were:

1. General Inattention (distracted driving)
2. Domestic or Wild Animals
3. Right of Way Violations

Patterson Legal Group reminds you to always pay attention to the road and surrounding conditions. Please beware of wild animals, especially during deer season. Should you get into a car accident for any reason, remember that our team is available 24/7 to assist you. Source: KDOT

Firefighters Respond to Large Fire at National Beef

Liberal (March 21, 2024) – The Liberal Fire Department is currently on scene at National Beef responding to a large fire that started when a trailer parked in a loading dock caught fire and spread to other trailers. No injuries have been reported at this time.

The Kansas personal injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group remind you to reach out if you or a loved one have been hurt in a fire through someone else’s negligence or recklessness. Call today for a free case evaluation and consultation. Source: KWCH

Kansas Lawmakers Consider Bill to Protect Stranded Drivers

Statewide (February 20, 2024) – Kansas lawmakers are now considering a bill to help protect stranded drivers on the side of the road. This law was brought up after the tragic death of Tim Leithoff, who was struck by a drunk driver while on the side of the road.

Senate bill 142 says that while a vehicle is stopped with hazard lights on, incoming drivers must change lanes to get away from the vehicle. The Kansas car accident attorneys at Patterson Legal Group commend this legislation. If you or a loved one were struck by a drunk driver, reach out today for a free case review. Source: KWCH

Wakeeney Teen Recovering After Ice Slip and Accident

Wakeeney (January 23, 2024) – A teen in Western Kansas is recovering after icy weather led to a freak accident while shoveling. While walking over ice, 15-year-old Joey Zeman slipped and was impaled by pliers he’d been using. After being airlifted to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, no major surgeries were needed, and Joey was allowed to go home after a short hospital stay.

Icy conditions in Western Kansas and throughout the state have led to an increase in injuries and accidents. The personal injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group want to remind you to be cautious while traveling in icy conditions. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you if you or someone you love has been injured because of another’s negligence. Source: KWCH

Free COVID-19 Tests Available Through USPS

Statewide (September 25, 2023) – A new round of COVID-19 tests has been released by the United States government. The information has been posted on Covid.gov and an ordering form has been posted on the USPS website. Each U.S. household is eligible to receive one order, which contains four individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. Tests will begin shipping the week of October 2, 2023.

While COVID-19 is no longer classified as a federal emergency, hospitalizations have been rising recently among children and the elderly. This trend may continue as colder weather hits America. The Kansas injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group urge you to consider obtaining these free tests to help you and your family verify if you’ve been exposed. Source: Covid.gov

Plan Your July 4th Ride

Statewide (June 26, 2023) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) reminds locals and visitors to plan for a sober ride home this Independence Day weekend. For many people, Fourth of July celebrations include alcoholic beverages. KDOT wants everyone to stay safe and avoid drunk driving car accidents by making transportation plans ahead of time.

Patterson Legal Group echoes KDOT’s advice. If you plan on drinking over the Fourth of July weekend then use a designated driver, a taxi, a rideshare service, or public transportation. Should you get into an accident caused by a drunk driver then contact our Kansas injury lawyers immediately. Source: KDOT

KDOT Asks You To “Work With Us”

Statewide (April 17, 2023) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) asks motorists to “work with us” as part of Work Zone Awareness Week (April 17-21). As the weather gets warmer, more and more construction zones appear throughout the state. The majority of work zone accidents are caused by the actions or inactions by drivers. Being mindful of construction zones and construction workers goes a long way towards reducing work zone car accidents.

Patterson Legal Group encourages you to drive safely through and around work zones. If you get into a construction zone accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of another driver then contact us for immediate assistance. Source: KDOT

Three Dead in Pratt County Crash

Pratt County (March 17, 2023) – Three people died in a car accident on March 17, 2023, two miles north of Preston in Pratt County. Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) officials reported that a 2004 Ford Taurus was traveling south on K-61 crossed the center line and crashed into a 2014 Ford Fusion. Both drivers and the passenger in the Fusion died from injuries incurred in the crash.

KHP identified the Taurus’ driver as 32-year-old William Fowler Stevens and the Fusion’s driver as 30-year-old Joshua Jamal Townsell. The name of the passenger was not revealed due to them being under 18. Patterson Legal Group sends thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims. Source: KWCH

KDOT Asks You to Join KanDrive

Statewide (August 26, 2022) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is encouraging Kansas motorists to create accounts on KanDrive. The freshly revamped map service allows you to see live traffic conditions, create an optimal path to your destination, view accurate travel time, schedule travel time alerts, and more. With its advanced features, KanDrive should allow you to save time and avoid car accidents.

Patterson Legal Group appreciates that KanDrive provides accurate information on construction zones. In addition to slowing down traffic, work zones have numerous conditions that increase your chances of an accident. KanDrive can help you avoid work zones, increasing your safety. KanDrive is available on Android, iOS, and your PC’s web browser. Source: KanDrive

Rain and Thunderstorms Expected

Statewide (July 29, 2022) – The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted chances of rain and thunderstorms throughout Kansas over the weekend. The inclement weather increases the chances of car accidents and fall accidents.

The Kansas personal injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group urge you to be cautious while driving in the rain. If possible, try to delay your trip until after the storm has passed. If you’re walking then bring an umbrella and wear grippy shoes to reduce your chances of slipping and falling. Should you get into an accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party then contact us for immediate assistance. Source: NWS

KDOT Celebrates National Sunglasses Day

Statewide (June 27, 2022) – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) reminds drivers across that state that June 27 is National Sunglasses Day. The agency says that sunglasses can be a crucial part of avoiding a car accident or bicycle accident, especially in the summer.

Sunglasses can help eliminate glare, allowing drivers and riders to see more clearly. With increased sunlight hours, poor visibility often contributes to summer car accidents. As an added bonus, sunglasses also help protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. If it’s sunny outside then please wear sunglasses so that you can see more clearly and your eyes are more comfortable while you drive. Source: KDOT