TOPEKA, Kan. — Traffic fatalities in Kansas are down more than 8% compared with the same period last year, according to preliminary numbers from the Kansas Department of Transportation.
KDOT reports 268 people have died in traffic crashes across Kansas through Oct. 20, 2026. That represents an 8.22% decrease compared with the number of fatalities recorded by the same date in 2025.
The department cautions that the figures are preliminary and could change based on the outcomes of ongoing crash investigations and the condition of people injured in crashes.
KDOT continues to urge motorists to take precautions behind the wheel, including avoiding distractions, wearing seat belts, following posted speed limits and never driving while impaired.
Final traffic fatality numbers for 2026 will not be available until after the end of the year and investigations are completed.