traffic

A new research project at the University of Missouri is looking to make streets less dangerous for everyone through lidar technology. The state recorded a historic high for pedestrian deaths last year.

New reforms to Kansas’ suspended license rules went into effect at the start of 2025. It should help drivers avoid being stripped of driving privileges just because they can't pay the fines for a traffic ticket.

Missouri is one of just 10 states that do not require any driver to take driver’s education classes before getting behind the wheel. A proposed bill would make it a mandatory part of high school health classes.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says that 148 pedestrians were struck and killed on the state's roadways last year, 16% more than the year before.

The city will hire a consultant to decide how to best improve its deadliest streets. It will also apply for a federal grant to redo the majority of Troost Avenue.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would enable the state to overhaul the Kansas Crash Data System and better integrate the system with law enforcement agencies statewide.

Kansas City set a goal to end all traffic fatalities by 2030. The Vision Zero program has worked block by block to make roads throughout the city safer, but officials say it needs more money to reach its goals.

Starting Jan. 1, 2025, Missouri law enforcement officials will begin issuing tickets to distracted drivers caught using electronic devices while driving.

Fall is mating season for deer, which often causes them to cross busy streets and stand in roads. "One wreck can alter numerous lives, especially if you're not prepared, or not ready, or if you're just flat not paying attention," notes one county sheriff.

When a low-income driver in Kansas fails to pay their traffic tickets on time, it could turn the fine into thousands of dollars of debt. Plus: Some Kansas districts are scaling back on screen time for students.

Critics argue adding additional fees and interest on unpaid traffic fines is unfair to low-income drivers. And it may not even be legal under Kansas law.

Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard is one of Kansas City’s top 10 most dangerous streets. A project to change the road aims to reduce crashes, make pedestrians safer, and connect two of the city’s longest bike trails. It’s just now getting started after more than a year of delays.