Governor Laura Kelly announced a $2.69 million federal grant to enhance the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) crash data collection systems. The funding, provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through the State Electronic Data Collection (SEDC) program, totals $2,693,628.80.

Currently, KDOT’s crash data system relies on electronic reports from the Kansas Highway Patrol’s Kansas Law Enforcement Reporting System (KLER). However, nearly half of all crash data must be entered manually due to system incompatibilities with many local law enforcement agencies. The grant will allow KDOT to rebuild and integrate its crash data system with local systems statewide. In addition, 1,000 driver’s license scanners will be distributed to law enforcement to encourage wider adoption of electronic reporting.

The SEDC program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to standardize and modernize state crash data systems, streamlining electronic data transfers nationwide.