Kansas Crash Statistics
In a prior blog post, we examined the car accident statistics in Missouri. In this current article, we’ll delve into Kansas crash statistics and facts, given that the Kansas City metropolitan area spans both Kansas and Missouri.
At McShane & Brady, we emphasize the importance of keeping oneself informed about road safety, particularly concerning car accidents in Kansas. Whether you’re a resident or just passing through, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the car accident statistics in Kansas. Understanding facts such as the primary causes of accidents, the regions with the highest incident rates, and the impact on individuals can help you remain vigilant and secure while on the road. So, let’s dig into the statistics and explore the state of affairs in Kansas.
Kansas Crash Data
Kansas, a state brimming with offerings, also bears the weight of a significant number of car accidents. According to the most recent crash data from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) for the year 2021, Kansas recorded 57,598 car accidents involving 90,045 vehicles. These incidents encompassed 123,796 individuals, including drivers, vehicle occupants and pedestrians.
Among these accidents, 12,871 were categorized as injury accidents, resulting in 17,476 individuals sustaining injuries. Tragically, 381 accidents were fatal, leading to the loss of 426 lives. Regrettably, Kansas car accident statistics reveal an alarming trend as accidents causing injuries and/or fatalities are on the rise. In fact, preliminary crash data from the State of Kansas for 2022 reported a 10% increase in fatal crashes.
Leading Causes of Kansas Car Accidents
Comprehending the underlying factors behind car accidents is essential in their prevention. According to the 2021 data from KDOT, the primary causes of accidents were as follows:
- Distracted Driving: Distracted or inattentive driving, which often involves activities like texting, eating, or using a phone while driving, accounted for 18.1% of accidents in Kansas.
- Striking Animals/Obstacles in the Roadway: Approximately 13.2% of car crashes in Kansas in 2021 resulted from vehicles colliding with animals or obstacles present in the roadway.
- Right of Way Violation: Violating the right of way led to 10% of accidents in Kansas in 2021, with drivers failing to yield and causing collisions with other vehicles.
- Following Too Closely: In 7% of Kansas accidents in 2021, drivers followed too closely to the vehicle in front of them, leading to rear-end collisions.
- Speeding: Excessive speed contributed to 6% of all car accidents in Kansas in 2021.
Distracted Driving Is the Leading Cause of Kansas Accident Deaths
Distracted driving is the foremost cause of accidents in Kansas, and it’s vital to highlight that this factor also holds the top position in terms of accident fatalities in the state. Recent analysis reveals that distracted driving continues to be a leading contributor to fatal car accidents in Kansas, with driver inattention playing a role in over 20 percent of fatal crashes across the state.
The incidence of distracted driving-related fatalities in Kansas has surged and sustained a high level. In 2020, national crash data analysis reported that distracted driving played a role in 84 fatal car accidents in Kansas. This starkly contrasts with statistics from five years earlier, in 2015, when the state Department of Transportation (KDOT) documented only six distracted driving-related deaths statewide.
Forbes consistently ranks Kansas as one of the most perilous states for distracted driving in the United States. In the preceding two years, specifically 2019 and 2020, Kansas stood second only to New Mexico in the frequency of fatal crashes involving distracted drivers, as highlighted in the Forbes report.
Kansas Areas With the Highest Crash Rates
Certain regions within Kansas experience a higher concentration of accidents, and it’s unsurprising that the two most densely populated counties in the state, Johnson and Sedgwick, are the ones grappling with the highest numbers of crashes, injury accidents, and traffic-related fatalities.
During the period spanning from 2017 to 2021, Johnson County reported 710 cases of severe injury accidents, while Sedgwick County recorded 910. In that same time frame, Johnson County documented 120 fatal crashes, while Sedgwick County exceeded that figure, registering a distressing 291 traffic-related fatalities. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the population in Johnson County is approximately 80,000 residents more than Sedgwick County, as per the 2020 Census data.
Regardless of where your travels take you, the unfortunate truth remains that accidents can occur, underscoring the critical importance of remaining attentive and free from distractions while driving.
The Impact On Kansas Accident Victims
While it’s important to be aware of these Kansas crash statistics, every statistic conceals a personal narrative, and car accidents exact a heavy toll on individuals and families alike. Injuries resulting from accidents can vary from minor cuts and bruises to enduring life-altering disabilities, while fatalities leave behind a trail of devastated loved ones.
If you find yourself dealing with injuries or the loss of a family member due to a car accident in the Kansas City area, you may be eligible for compensation to alleviate your suffering and losses. At McShane & Brady, our dedication lies in assisting those affected by car accidents in their pursuit of justice and the compensation rightfully owed to them.
Safer Kansas Roadways
While the Kansas crash statistics may cause concern, they also function as a stark reminder for all drivers. By comprehending the primary causes of accidents, exercising caution in high-risk areas, and advocating for safer roadways, we can collectively strive to reduce accidents and preserve lives.
If you or a loved one has become a victim of a car accident in the Kansas City region, the team of experts at McShane & Brady are here to offer legal support and ensure the protection of your rights. Our top-rated personal injury attorneys are fully prepared to stand by your side, vigorously championing your rights and the compensation you rightly deserve. We encourage you to reach out to us and arrange your no-cost consultation, enabling us to delve into your potential case and discuss how we can be of assistance.