Kansas Drive To Zero

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Each year since 2013, more than 350 people are killed annually on roadways in Kansas, and thousands more are seriously injured as a result of traffic crashes. Across the U.S., more than 40,000 people are killed in crashes each year. These tragedies are preventable by taking a proactive and preventative approach that prioritizes traffic safety as a public health issue. Kansas Drive To Zero is an initiative that recognizes the only acceptable number of deaths on Kansas roads is zero. To achieve this goal, the Drive To Zero (DTZ) requires a collaborative effort among transportation professionals, public health officials, law enforcement and emergency responders, community members, and many more.

Kansas Drive To Zero Plan

Every five years, the state of Kansas is required to update its Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), its guiding framework for reducing fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. Efforts are currently underway for the latest five-year SHSP update, which is being re-branded as the 2025-2029 Kansas Drive To Zero Plan. This plan will be the output of a collaborative, data-driven process that brings together and draws on the strengths and resources of safety partners across the state. Consistent with the U.S. DOT National Roadway Safety Strategy, this plan update will incorporate the Safe System Approach, which emphasizes building and reinforcing multiple layers of redundancy to both prevent crashes from happening in the first place and minimize the harm caused when crashes occur. The 2025-2029 Kansas Drive To Zero Plan is anticipated to be released in summer 2025.

FHWA's Safe System Approach

Drive To Zero Coalition

The Drive To Zero (DTZ) Coalition is an executive-level body consisting of members of state and federal agencies, non-profit and advocacy organizations, the private sector, and the Kansas House and Senate Transportation Committees. It includes Cabinet-level representation from multiple branches of the state government. The DTZ Coalition, which guides the development and implementation of the Kansas Drive To Zero Plan, aims to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes on all public roads in Kansas.

With the adoption of the Safe System Approach, the development and implementation of the Drive To Zero Plan will be supported by Strategy Teams and Support Teams. These teams will help the DTZ Coalition to develop and implement strategic actions from the Drive To Zero Plan.

Drive to Zero Coalition

Strategy Teams

Strategy Teams are organized around the objectives of the Safe System Approach and are open to volunteer members. Get involved! If you would like to take part in a Strategy Team, please email us at drivetozero@ks.gov.

Safer People Safer People Team
Encourage safe, responsible driving and behavior by people who use our roads and create conditions that prioritize their ability to reach their destination unharmed.
Safer Roads Safer Roads Team
Design roadway environments to mitigate human mistakes and account for injury tolerances, to encourage safer behaviors, and to facilitate safe travel by the most vulnerable road users.
Safer Vehicles Team Safer Vehicles Team
Expand the availability of vehicle systems and features that help to prevent crashes and minimize the impact of crashes on both occupants and non-occupants.
Safer Speeds Team Safer Speeds Team
Promote safer speeds in all roadway environments through a combination of thoughtful, equitable, context-appropriate roadway design, targeted education, outreach campaigns, and enforcement.
Post-Crash Care Team Post-Crash Care Team
Enhance the survivability of crashes through expedient access to emergency medical care, while creating a safe working environment for vital first responders and preventing secondary crashes through robust traffic incident management practices.

Support Teams

The Drive To Zero Coalition and the Strategy Teams are supported by three Support Teams. Membership to the Support Teams are on an invite-only basis.

Data Support Team Data Support Team
The Data Support Team will support data needs requested by the Drive To Zero Coalition and the Strategy Teams. Data needs will focus on understanding the quantitative impact of strategies and the estimate of their effectiveness.
Policy Support Team Policy Support Team
At the direction of the Drive To Zero Coalition, the Policy Support Team will work on vetting and advancing prioritized policy or legislative needs.
Communications Support Team Communications Support Team
The Communication Support Team will use existing networks and resources to promote campaigns and initiatives of the Drive To Zero.

Data Dashboards

Drive Safe Kansas Social Media

Thank you to our Drive To Zero Coalition Members and thousands of safety partners around the state!

DTZ Coalition Members
DTZ Logo

Upcoming Meetings or Events

  • Strategy Team Meetings - online
    To request a meeting link, email us at DriveToZero@ks.gov
  • Kansas Teen Transportation Safety Conference
    December 10-11, 2024
    Wichita, KS
    Conference Information
  • January DTZ Coalition Meeting
    Tuesday, January 14, 2025
    Topeka, KS
    10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
    Registration Required:
    Zoom     | In-Person (Limited Seats)
  • DTZ Day at the Capitol
    Hear from state agencies and elected officials on how we can save lives on Kansas roads.
    Wednesday, February 12, 2025
    Topeka, KS
    Save the Date Postcard
DTZ Coalition and Team Members Links (restricted)
DTZ Coalition Members Quotes

"The diverse state and local partners of the Drive To Zero Coalition is energizing. We are an enthusiastic partner of the Drive To Zero because we know the critical role local agencies play in this mission."

Bruce Chladny, Executive Director Kansas Association of Counties


"When we all work together toward this same goal, we will be successful. I’m excited about what the partnerships and single focus of the Drive To Zero Coalition will accomplish."

Secretary Calvin Reed, Kansas Department of Transportation and Chair, Drive To Zero Coalition


"The focus on strategies supporting the Safe System Approach aligns with the goals of AAA. We are proud to be part of an ongoing effort to save lives and create safer communities in Kansas."

Shawn Steward, Manager, Public and Government Affairs, AAA Kansas

Contact

If you have questions about the work of the Drive To Zero Coalition, please email us at drivetozero@ks.gov.

Have Questions?

Do you have a question, comment, suggestion or concern? Contact us by emailing IKE@KS.gov or by using the message fields located at the bottom of every page. You can also find out more about how we put your ideas to good work with our local consult process here.

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