By Trish Svoboda

To lessen traffic fatalities, the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Drive To Zero Coalition will organize the first Drive To Zero Day at the Capitol from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Feb. 29, at the second-floor venue of the Kansas Statehouse.

At 9:30 a.m., a press briefing featuring state leaders will be held. Attendees can explore crash data dashboard demonstrations, visit information booths by the DTZ Coalition and the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office, and engage in other activities throughout the three-hour event.

“DTZ Day at the Capitol acknowledges a shared responsibility and commitment to reaching zero lives lost in traffic crashes,” said Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed, who is also Chair of the Drive To Zero Coalition. “Preliminary data shows 2023 was the first time since 2015 where Kansas has been under 400 traffic fatalities. While we are trending in the right direction, we still have work to do.”

During the event, participants will gain insight into collaborative efforts among communities, law enforcement, businesses, and first responders to implement strategic initiatives aimed at preserving lives on Kansas roads. Elected officials and transportation safety stakeholders will be available to engage in discussions with the public. Visit https://www.ksdot.gov/transportationsafety.asp to learn more about transportation safety initiatives under the DTZ Coalition and the Kansas Strategic Highway Safety Plan.