Kansas Receives $2.69 Million Crash Data Grant

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced a $2.69 million federal grant aimed at modernizing the state's crash data collection systems, which will be administered by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). This funding, sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is intended to rebuild the Kansas Crash Data System to enhance integration with local law enforcement agencies, where currently about half of crash data is input manually due to incompatibilities. The initiative includes distributing 1,000 driver's license scanners to aid local law enforcement in adopting electronic reporting. Governor Kelly emphasized the importance of accurate and timely data for reducing traffic accidents and injuries. This project aligns with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which mandates states to upgrade their crash data systems. In 2023, KDOT reported nearly 60,000 traffic accidents in Kansas, highlighting the need for improved data collection methods.