Category Archives: Kansas

Entertainment, Kansas

AMERICAN PICKERS to Film in Kansas

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The American Pickers are excited to return to Kansas! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in June 2024.

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques.

They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable Characters and their collections.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics.

Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way.

The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen
before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.

The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell…we would love to hear from you! Please note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public.

If interested, please send us your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to:
[email protected] or call (646) 493-2184
facebook: @GotAPick

Government, Kansas

Dept. for Aging and Disability: New Community Support Waiver

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KDADS Partners with Public Consulting Group to Transform Services for Individuals with Disabilities
~ Focus on the Development of a New Community Support Waiver ~

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard today announced a partnership with Public Consulting Group (PCG) to assist in the state’s plan to modernize the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver by addressing waitlist and workforce challenges, and supporting the state in the development of a new Community Support Waiver (CSW).

“My administration is focused on enhancing services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By developing a new Community Support Waiver and restructuring support systems through this partnership, we are taking a significant step toward better serving these Kansans.”

The CSW for individuals with IDD is designed to provide a limited set of supports for those who have a place to live in the community, allowing them to continue to live independently and promoting community living and integration.

In 2022, the Kansas State Legislature assembled the Special Committee on Intellectual and Developmental Disability Waiver Modernization to review and recommend options for waiver alternatives and modernization based on input from officials from other states, researchers, advocacy groups, parents, and individuals with disabilities.

“Thanks to the work and recommendations of the Modernization Committee and our community partners, and now onboarding PCG with their proven track record in HCBS waiver development and compliance assistance, we believe we are on the right path to addressing the needs of people on the state’s IDD waiting list more effectively and efficiently,” KDAD Secretary Laura Howard said. “Kansas is committed to ensuring individuals have the opportunity to live independently with supports in their communities.”

The development of the CSW is at the heart of the initiative. Designed with input from a diverse group of stakeholders, including state agencies, Community Development Disability Organizations (CDDOs), families, and current participants, the CSW aims to address current service barriers and enhance service delivery. The primary goal is to reduce waiting lists and ensure services are accessible to those in need. This demonstrates the state’s commitment to building a support system that reflects the community’s needs.

The PCG partnership includes strategic grant funding to support the transformation and improvement of services. Funding initiatives will focus on specific service areas like aiding sheltered workshop providers with compliance with new regulations, restructuring CDDOs to eliminate conflicts of interest, and ensuring the impartiality of case management.

“Through these efforts, Kansas and PCG are working together to ensure services are delivered fairly, efficiently, and with the best interests of individuals with disabilities in mind,” KDADS Long Term Services and Supports Commissioner Michele Heydon said. “This collaboration is a testament to the state’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through innovative solutions and community-focused initiatives.”

In February this year, Governor Laura Kelly announced an FY 2025 budget proposal to invest more than $23 million for the IDD and Physical Disability (PD) waivers, creating 250 new enrollment slots for each.

About HCBS

The HCBS program allows states to use Medicaid funds to offer critical nonmedical services not otherwise covered by Medicaid. The provided services can include personal attendants and other in-home supports, supported employment, and in-home specialized medical care.

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Government, Kansas

Kansas First Internet Connectivity Plan Approved

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Governor Kelly Announces More than $8M to be Invested in Digital Opportunities

~~ Kansas’ First Broadband Digital Equity Plan Approved ~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that Kansas is receiving $8.2 million to begin implementing the Kansas Digital Equity (DE) Plan, which recently received federal approval. This announcement solidifies the state’s commitment to transform the landscape of high-speed internet connectivity and digital opportunity across Kansas.

“Providing Kansans with the digital resources they need will strengthen our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The approval of the Kansas Digital Equity Plan marks a significant milestone in our commitment to closing technology gaps and knocking down barriers to affordable, accessible high-speed internet in every corner of the state.”

Initially introduced last October, the DE Plan received public comment and underwent thorough reviews with federal funding partners at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications Information and Administration (NTIA) office. With this approval and funding from the NTIA’s Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) will begin implementing strategies outlined in the plan to enhance digital opportunity statewide.

The DE Plan reflects a comprehensive strategy that includes digital skills training, affordable service plans, and access to broadband-ready devices. It also highlights the impact of technology in critical areas such as health care, education, and civic engagement.

“By expanding access to devices and digital skills training, we will open new economic opportunities for people and businesses across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our state is ready to unlock the potential of every Kansan and each community so they can prosper in the digital economy.”

The data used to determine each state’s funding allocations included the total population, the number of individuals in covered populations, and measures relating to the comparative lack of availability and adoption of broadband.

“We know that many Kansans experience barriers to full participation in the digital economy,” said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of the Kansas Office of Broadband Development. “The approval of this plan confirms our commitment to providing equal opportunities to residents by addressing factors that might be limiting broadband access and adoption.”

The DE Plan’s approval is a significant step toward achieving universal access to online education, employment, health care and telemedicine, and social services. It aligns with the broader vision outlined in the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan.

“Today, Kansas is taking a major step toward closing the digital divide,” Angela Thi Bennett, Director of Digital Equity at NTIA, said. “The state’s digital equity plan will make certain everyone in Kansas possesses the digital skills, tools, and capacity to thrive.”

To access the Kansas Digital Equity Plan, click here.

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Government, Kansas

Communities can learn to create walk-, bike-friendly towns during April 24 webinar

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Communities in the beginning stages of creating more walk- and bike-friendly towns can greatly benefit from attending the Walk Bike Roll online webinar on April 24.

Titled “Tell Your Story! How to Leverage Storytelling to Build Project Support and Momentum,” the webinar is hosted by the Kansas Department of Transportation. Participants can learn to celebrate and share accomplishments to inspire decision makers, the public and other communities.

To attend the one-hour webinar, which starts at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, register at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/6s4wnfd.

“Kansas communities have done a great job prioritizing and constructing new pedestrian and bicycle facilities,” said Jenny Kramer, Active Transportation Manager at KDOT. “However, when it comes time to brag about our accomplishments, we don’t do as well.”

Learning about other successful alternate transportation projects helps build support and can:

  • Build enthusiasm for new projects locally and across the state.
  • Discover champions and opportunities to raise project funds.
  • Invite equity to be a focus.
  • Create a culture that values walking, biking and rolling across Kansas.

Catherine Girves of Toole Design will share storytelling tips based on years of experience working with elected officials and citizens to build project support. She will cover important steps in the process such as how to identify an audience, discover available local and state funds, determine what the story is expected to accomplish and more.

The KDOT Active Transportation Program launched the Walk Bike Roll Kansas webinar series at an in-person Summit in September 2023. It is part of the Kansas Active Transportation Plan, which was published in February 2023. Webinars will continue throughout 2024.

To view the plan, toolkits, watch previously recorded webinars and more, go to: https://www.ksdot.gov/KansasATP.asp.
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

April 5, 2024

 

Tax Relief was passed in the 11th hour of regular session.  Conference Committee Report (CCR) 2036 will:

  • eliminate state income tax on Social Security
  • exempt $100,000 of the valuation for homeowners of the 20 mill for K-12
  • lower the 20 mill for K-12 to 19.5 for all property owners
  • eliminate state sales tax on non-prepared groceries July 1, 2024 instead of Jan 1, 2025
  • provide income tax cuts for all Kansas taxpayers by:
    • a two tier income tax bracket changing 5.7 to 5.55, 5.25 to 5.15, and 3.1 is eliminated
    • personal exemptions are currently at $2,250 and will increase to $9,160 for a single filer; $18,320 married; and $2,320 for each dependent
    • standard deduction increases 3%; single $3,500 to $3,605; married $8,000 to $8,240
  • eliminate Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund and the County & City Revenue Sharing Fund

You may remember the Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 539 and the House passed their tax package in House Substitute (H Sub) for SB 300.  Leadership decided not to act on the other chambers proposed tax cuts.  Instead, they put together a plan with the Governor.  It was in the first version of CCR 2036, which passed the Senate 38 to 1, but was overwhelming rejected by the House.  Later the next day, I requested information for a tax plan and, coincidentally, the House Tax Chairman had requested information for the same plan.  It made sense because each of us used 539 and 300 as a basis to create the tax plan listed above.  It passed the Senate 24 to 9 on a bipartisan vote.  Seven senators were absent.  Interestingly, 8 Democrats and 1 Republican in the Senate voted No.  The House passed it 119 to 0.  It is known the Governor doesn’t favor the legislation, but she will be going against all the House members in her party if she vetoes it.

 

The Budget has even more pork after conference committee negotiations of CCR 28.  The Senate had voted to block the 90% pay raise for legislators, but the conference committee put it back.  They put in spending for theaters, sports programs, and many other special interest items.  What they didn’t concentrate on was infrastructure and security, which is what government should be doing.  I did not support this runaway spending.  It passed the Senate 26 to 12 and is on its way to the Governor’s desk.

 

K-12 Budget was in CCR 387.  It didn’t pass the House until late in session and the Senate never got a chance to hear or work the legislation.  It was an up or down vote, no amendments allowed.  The Senate voted 12 to 26.  A motion was made to send it back to committee on Thursday.  The conference committee was able to meet Friday and negotiate a new K-12 budget.  We will vote on the new version of the CCR when we return for veto session.  A majority of us decided that over $6 billion spending, over $4 billion from State General Funds (SGF), and getting less than 30 minutes to look at the legislation was reason not to support it.

 

Lies are rampant in the Capitol.  Tom Petty said, “I won’t back down”.  “Well I know what’s right;  I got just one life;  In a world that keeps on pushin’ me around;  But I’ll stand my ground; And I won’t back down.”

 

We cannot back down and must stand for the truth.  For example, this week there was a reporter who said that I used foul language.  Two witnesses who were sitting next to me and we all said that the reporter was wrong, yet the reporter and his editor refused to write a retraction.  A few local papers picked up the “fake news”.  Another example is a Representative and others who continues to spew false information that I am blocking legislation for veterans.  It’s not even close to the truth and I have worked diligently to pass tax relief for disabled veterans and others.  There are more examples of misleading narratives and fake news.  I will  “not back down” and I will continue to stand for the truth, as should everyone because it is self-defeating not to stand for the truth.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

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Government, Kansas

Lansing Correctional Facility Inmate Has Escaped Update

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The escapee has been apprehended.

Minimum-custody resident Bradley G. Verstraete escaped from Lansing Correctional Facility

~Verstraete, 54, reported missing Sunday night~

LANSING, Kansas. –

Minimum-custody resident Bradley G. Verstraete was placed on escape status at approximately 9:00 p.m. after it was reported that he walked away from Lansing Correctional Facility on Sunday, April 7, 2024.

Verstraete, a 54-year-old white male, was reported missing when the resident could not be located at the minimum-security unit. This walkaway does not impact the security or operations of the medium-maximum secure compound.

Verstraete is serving a 102-month sentence for convictions of attempted murder in the 2nd degree and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer that occurred in 2017 in Pratt County.

Verstraete is 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 130 pounds. He has Hazel eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing blue jean jacket, blue jeans, and red hat. His hair was in a ponytail, and he had a goatee-style beard.

Anyone with information on Verstraete can call the Kansas Department of Corrections at 913-727-3235 ext. 58224, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463, or local law enforcement at 911.

The walk-away is currently being investigated.  New information will be released as it becomes available.

The Lansing Correctional Facility, formerly the Kansas State Penitentiary, opened in 1867. The facility serves only males and maintains maximum and medium units totaling 1,920 beds and a 512-bed minimum security unit.

Photo here

Government, Kansas, Schools

Applications for KDOT’s Safe Routes to School Program now being accepted

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Transportation is accepting applications for the Safe Routes to School Program for its second round of Planning and Programming (P&P) grants.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on May 3. KDOT will award up to five grants for the 2024-2025 school year.

The P&P grants fund the development of SRTS plans that will include an overview of existing conditions and public outreach. The plans should also identify potential infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions to help more children safely walk, bike and roll to school.

All communities, school districts and organizations are encouraged to apply. More information on the P&P grant program, including the application, recordings of prior informational webinars and a question/answer sheet can be found at https://saferoutes.ksdot.gov/grants-and-funding.

About KDOT Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School is a comprehensive approach to getting more kids walking, biking and rolling safely to school. It provides kids and parents with a variety of activities, events and lessons, while also addressing local pedestrian, bicycle and personal safety concerns. Visit KDOT’s Safe Routes to School website at SafeRoutes.ksdot.gov to learn more and sign up for the quarterly e-newsletter.

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Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

March 29, 2024

 

Tax Relief is still being worked on, but it took an odd turn.  After the House gutted Senate Bill (SB) 300, which was a bankers’ tax bill, and put the contents of House Bill (HB) 2844, which contained many of the tax cuts being considered, in SB 300, and created House Substitute for SB 300.  They passed it 123 to 0.  The Senate President ruled the bill materially altered.  Senators could have challenged the ruling, but it hasn’t been challenged.  There are similarities in House Substitute for SB 300 to the bill the Senate passed, SB 539.  I am working to pass tax cuts for Kansans, especially property tax relief, exempting Social Security from state income tax, and other provisions.

 

Death Certificates could now be signed by a licensed physician, surgeon, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, coroner, deputy coroner, or special deputy coroner if HB 2358 becomes law. It passed the Senate 39 to 1.  I voted Yes.  As with any bill returning to the originating chamber, the chamber can either concur, not concur and go to conference, or rule it materially altered and assign it to a committee.  Most likely, the House will not concur and it will go to a conference committee.

 

K-12 Enrollment counts would change so that schools would use the greater of the preceding-year or current year on September 20.  There are other counting changes and the bill was amended on the floor to help schools that are struggling with a declining population.  SB 386 passed on a vote of 33 to 6.  I voted Yes.  We need to delve deeper into our K-12 school funding and spending.  Of the billions of dollars being spent on K-12 funding, a greater percentage needs to get to the classrooms and teachers.  The bill now goes to the House.

 

Unclaimed Property could be used to invest and possibly make money for the state.  It may sound like a good idea, but what happens if the investments lose money and the property owner is found?  It can and has happened.  Legislators in the past blocked risky alternative investments because it almost broke KPERS and cost taxpayers.  How they forget.  The return on investments has been high so some perceive the risk to be low.  Taxpayers will end up footing the bill for unclaimed property if these investments lose money.  It’s a gamble I’m not willing to take.  HB 2577 passed 38 to 2.  I voted No.  The bill returns to the House since it was amended.

 

Death or Disability to a police animal would be an increased penalty of a mandatory 90 days imprisonment and a minimum fine of $10,000 plus expenses such as veterinary treatment, funeral, and replacement.  It is understandable we don’t want these animals harmed, but let’s strengthen the penalties for people who are harmed and not overdue for an animal.  HB 2583 passed 25 to 15.  I voted No.

 

Harm or Death to law enforcement or emergency responders for drivers who do not move-over another lane away from emergency responders would have increased penalties not less than $7,500 for death and $1,000 for harm.  The current fine for not moving over for emergency responders would increase from $195 to $400.  SB 426 passed 39 to 1.  I voted Yes.

 

Public Utilities would not be able to use eminent domain for wind or solar facilities.  SB 457 passed the Senate 38 to 0.

 

Energy Companies would be able to defer 90% of depreciation expenses and balances could be included in the utility’s rate base.  If the bill becomes law, these changes could begin 7/1/2024 after the utility notifies the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC).   There are other provisions, like allowing for a new gas-fired plant to be built in Reno County.  My concern is our ever-increasing energy costs and HB 2527 in its current form doesn’t address that.  The bill passed 38 to 2.  I voted No.  The bill returns to the House since there were amendments.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Government, Kansas

March Kansas Tax Collections $7M More Than Estimate

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Governor Kelly Announces March Total Tax Collections $7M More than Estimate

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that total tax collections in March were $760.4 million. That is $7.0 million, or 0.9%, more than the monthly estimate. Total tax collections are up 0.3% from March 2023.

“As we continue to work toward cutting taxes, the Legislature must be mindful that any tax relief must be fiscally sustainable,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The bipartisan tax cuts plan I introduced in January, among other things, eliminates all state income tax on Social Security benefits and provides about $100 million in property tax relief for Kansas homeowners every year. It is a fiscally responsible plan that puts money back into every Kansan’s pocket while enabling us to continue to fully fund schools and invest in our infrastructure and other critical areas.”

Individual income tax collections were $364.9 million. That is $29.9 million, or 8.9%, more than the month’s estimate and up 16.0% from March 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $77.1 million. That is $7.9 million, or 9.3%, less than the estimate, and down 24.8% from March 2023.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $261.2 million, which is $8.8 million, or 3.2%, less than the estimate. Those collections are $14.2 million, or 5.1%, less than March 2023.

The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CRE), comprised of the Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, will meet on April 19, 2024, to review the fall estimate and make any revisions it may consider necessary.

Click here to view the March 2024 revenue numbers.

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Bourbon County, Kansas

Total solar eclipse to cross North America on April 8

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TOPEKA – On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. The Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Highway Patrol advise travelers to plan ahead as traffic is expected to increase.

“Remember that the shoulders of highways and interstates are for emergencies only,” said KHP Capt. Candice Breshears. “Finding a safe and secure location to view the eclipse is a must for all travelers to make it to their destinations safely.”

Travelers should be patient, avoid distractions and practice safe driving habits.

“Pay attention to the roadway, not the sky,” said KDOT Director of Safety Troy Whitworth. “Be on the lookout for other drivers who may be distracted. Traffic will most likely be heavy before, during and after the event in the locations where the eclipse can be viewed. So, plan your travel accordingly.”

Kansas is not in the direct viewing area of the total solar eclipse. It will begin in Mexico and enter the U.S. in Texas, and parts of 14 additional states will experience the total solar eclipse as it travels northeast across the country. Then it will enter Canada.

According to the National Weather Service, a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon’s elliptical orbit is towards its minimum distance from Earth, making the moon appear larger than the sun. This allows the moon to completely obscure the sun, and a shadow is cast on the Earth’s surface.

Use specialized eye protection to view the sun during this time. Check the weather and plan accordingly – make sure to dress properly and be prepared for potential weather incidents when driving long distances. For information on Kansas road conditions, go to  www.kandrive.gov or call 5-1-1.

Eclipse

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Government, Kansas

Victim assistance grant opportunities open for application

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TOPEKA – (March 27, 2024) – Six grant programs serving victims of crime across Kansas are open for application, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced today.

More than $2.5 million in grant funds were awarded last year from six state programs through the Office of the Attorney General. Funds are used to assist local and state crime victim assistance organizations across Kansas in providing direct services to crime victims, as well as in developing prevention programs to address violence.

Grant opportunities are open in the following programs:

Child Exchange and Visitation Center Program (CEVC) – This fund seeks to provide supervised child exchange and visitation to children and families at risk due to circumstances relating to domestic or family violence.

Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Fund (HTVAF) – This fund was established by the Legislature in 2013 (K.S.A. 75-758) to provide training regarding human trafficking for law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas, and to support the care, treatment and other services for victims of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of a child.

Child Abuse and Neglect (CVAF-CA) – This fund seeks to provide for ongoing operating expenses of programs assisting child victims.

Crime Victims Assistance Fund (CVAF) – This fund seeks to provide for ongoing operating expenses of programs assisting crime victims and establishing and maintaining new programs providing services to the victims of crimes.

State Protection from Abuse Fund (PFA) – This fund seeks to provide temporary emergency shelter for adult victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and their dependent children, counseling and assistance to those victims and their children, or educational services directed at reducing the incidence of domestic violence or sexual assault and diminishing its impact on victims.

Child Advocacy Center Fund (CAC): This fund seeks to provide for ongoing operating expenses of Child Advocacy Centers.

More detailed information on the application process for each of the grant programs can be found at www.ag.ks.gov/grants. Applications will be accepted through the Grant Management System located on the website. All applications are due on May 3, 2024.

Awards will be made this summer. These grant programs are administered by the attorney general’s Victim Services Division and the Victim Rights Coordinator.

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CONTACT: Danedri Herbert – (913) 706-6394 I [email protected]
Government, Kansas

Texting and Driving Is Illegal and The Main Cause of Vehicle Crashes

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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month:

Texting while driving is illegal
The Drive To Zero Coalition, along with the Kansas Department of Transportation, urges drivers to always put safety first and ditch distractions, as inattention is the main cause of motor vehicle crashes.

Preliminary 2023 data for Kansas shows 102 people died and more than 450 people were injured in crashes due to distracted driving.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which takes place in April, focuses on raising awareness and educating motorists to increase safety on roadways. During April, Kansas motorists will hear and see more distracted driving safety messages. Increased law enforcement will remind drivers any distraction, including texting, is unsafe, unnecessary and illegal.

“Distracted driving for any reason is dangerous and puts others at risk,” said Gary Herman, KDOT Behavior Safety Manager. “As soon as your eyes leave the road and your hands leave the steering wheel, focus on driving is gone. This results in no time to safely react to traffic hazards.”

Herman said distractions include eating, sipping a beverage, turning attention to a child in the backseat and texting.

Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows drivers ages 18-34 represent the most distracted drivers, namely due to cell phone use. In addition, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports mental distractions can last up to 27 seconds after using voice commands on cars, changing music or using phones.

Drivers are encouraged to develop safe driving habits and:

  • Put the phone away and out of reach.
  • Activate the phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature.
  • Avoid adjusting the radio, handling food and other items that take your hands off the wheel.
  • Have passengers oversee navigation information and all phones.
  • If needed, pull over at a safe location to handle things.

For more information about the distracted driving, go to https://www.nhtsa.gov/book/countermeasures-that-work/distracted-driving.

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This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 700 SW Harrison St., 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3745 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.