Preliminary report shows downward trend in Kansas road fatalities

COLUMBUS, Kan. — Preliminary data indicates Kansas roads and highways saw a decrease in traffic crash deaths in 2024.

"The ultimate goal is to reduce the loss of human life," said Sheriff Brian Henderson, Cherokee County.

Each year, the Kansas Department of Transportation puts together a report.

One of those categories reviewed is the amount of traffic crash fatalities.

"Not all the fatalities occur on major highways. So it's sometimes getting out and working with citizens and education," said Henderson.

Preliminary numbers from K-DOT and the Kansas Highway Patrol show there were 347 traffic crash deaths last year—a decrease of 10.3 percent.

Sheriff Henderson says it takes a community to help lower that number.

"Drive to zero initiatives or initiatives such as that. The whole purpose is to get to zero fatalities," said Henderson.

Henderson says it's not just current drivers. He adds there are programs teaching kids safety, like "seat belts are for everyone."

"Educate people and educate the children, especially those that are coming of driver age. The importance of wearing their seatbelts while they're driving," said Henderson.

If the preliminary number stands, it will be the first time traffic crash deaths have been below 350 since 2013.

"The whole purpose is to get to zero fatalities, although people say, well, it's a waste of time because that would never happen. But if we reduce them, then we're winning," said Henderson.

He hopes it's a trend that will continue.

"If we get down to zero is what we want, but we're seeing that trend going down is what I'm getting at. That's really good. We want that trend to continue to decrease," said Henderson.