When it comes to road safety, Kansas and Missouri present very different driving environments. Understanding how each state ranks in terms of traffic safety, highway performance, and driver behavior is essential for residents and visitors looking to stay safe on the roads.
Missouri Road Safety: High Risk but Strong Infrastructure
Missouri consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for drivers in the U.S. According to Forbes Advisor, Missouri is the second most dangerous state to drive in, with high rates of fatal crashes caused by speeding, impaired driving, and traffic violations. Drivers in Missouri face significant risks, making safe driving practices a priority (ksdk.com).
Despite these behavioral risks, Missouri’s highways are in relatively good condition. The Reason Foundation’s 28th Annual Highway Report ranks Missouri 9th nationally for highway performance, highlighting improvements in infrastructure quality and cost-effectiveness (reason.org).
Kansas Road Safety: Safer Roads but Risky Driving Behavior
Kansas roads are generally safer in terms of infrastructure, but driver behavior creates significant challenges. The Reason Foundation ranks Kansas 22nd in highway performance, a drop from its previous ranking of 7th. While roads are reasonably maintained, there is room for improvement in safety and cost-effectiveness (reason.org).
Behavioral issues also affect road safety in Kansas. Forbes Advisor ranks Kansas 9th for worst driving behavior in the U.S., citing speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving as major concerns (cjonline.com).
Comparing Kansas and Missouri Road Safety
|
State |
Highway Performance Rank |
Driver Behavior Rank |
Key Safety Concerns |
|
Missouri |
9th |
2nd |
High fatal crash rates, speeding, impaired driving |
|
Kansas |
22nd |
9th |
Risky driver behavior, need for infrastructure improvements |
Road Safety Initiatives in Kansas and Missouri
Both states are actively working to improve traffic safety and reduce fatalities.
- Missouri: The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) runs the "Save MO Lives" campaign, focusing on driver education and enforcement to reduce traffic-related deaths.
- Kansas: The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) leads the "Drive to Zero" initiative, aiming to eliminate traffic fatalities through targeted safety programs and community engagement (www.ksdot.gov).
Tips for Safe Driving in Kansas and Missouri
- Obey speed limits and traffic laws at all times.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Avoid distracted driving, including using phones while driving.
- Stay alert in high-risk areas, such as rural highways and busy intersections.
- Follow state-specific safety campaigns and updates.
Missouri and Kansas each face unique road safety challenges. Missouri’s infrastructure is strong, but risky driver behavior increases the likelihood of traffic fatalities. Kansas benefits from better-maintained roads but must address dangerous driving practices. Drivers in both states should remain vigilant and follow traffic safety initiatives to help reduce accidents and save lives.
