AASHTO Journal - Kansas DOT Helps Host ‘Drive To Zero Day’ Event

The Kansas Department of Transportation and the Drive To Zero or DTZ Coalition recently hosted the third annual “Drive To Zero Day” in Topeka, the state’s capitol– an event that brings together various state agencies, law enforcement entities, and safety advocates to address ongoing efforts to reduce traffic fatalities in Kansas.

[Above photo by the Kansas DOT]

The event – held in the second-floor rotunda of the Kansas Statehouse – served as a platform for the DTZ Coalition to share strategic initiatives and progress toward implementation of the “Safe System” approach to traffic speed management in Kansas; a data-driven framework designed to eliminate serious injuries and deaths on Kansas roadways, the group said.

“No single agency or solution can get us to zero lives lost in traffic crashes,” said Calvin Reed, Kansas DOT secretary, in a statement. “Success depends on shared responsibility and strong partnerships across state government, local communities and the public. [This] event highlights the work being done and what we need to do to continue the work in roadway safety.”

[Editor’s note: The Kansas DOT also recently opened a new District One headquarters building in Topeka as well; a facility that contains offices, meeting spaces, and maintenance shops with 15 heavy-duty vehicle work bays used to service highway maintenance equipment for the agency. Kansas DOT noted that District One oversees maintenance and operations of the state transportation system across 17 counties in northeast Kansas.]

Speakers at the event included Captain Matt Payne with the Kansas Highway Patrol; Janet Stanek, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment; and State Representative Shannon Francis.

As part of the day-long event, legislators and members of the public engaged with interactive displays and safety professionals representing law enforcement, first responders, and local businesses. These exhibits showcased how local and state-level cooperation is being used to combat risky driving behaviors.