Safety Planning Program
In 2004, a motor vehicle crash (MVC) occurred every 8.5 minutes in the greater Kansas City area. Of the 62,024 traffic collisions reported by police, 164 were fatal. These crashes killed 186 people and injured more than 13,000. Not only are drivers, passengers and their families afflicted with the physical trauma and emotional pain of these incidents, but everyone pays with higher insurance premiums, increased medical costs and time delays caused by MVCs.
These statistics do not capture transportation incidents involving bicyclists and pedestrians. Many crashes do not involve a vehicle and are never reported to local police. The magnitude of the transportation safety problem in the Kansas City region is not fully understood.
Federal Emphasis
The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) emphasized the need to address safety in the planning and programming of transportation investments. The reauthorization of this federal legislation, Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), further emphasizes safety and provides additional programs to improve transportation system safety.
Safety Planning in the Kansas City Region
One of, the Kansas City region's four regional transportation goals in Transportation Outlook 2030 is to “…improve the safety security and well-being of the traveling public.” This goal is examined in depth as part of a new Safety Element in Transportation Outlook 2030 Update. The Safety Element offers the region’s initial examination of transportation system safety and contains first steps to improve data and coordinate with safety advocates in the region.
The Kansas City region’s efforts contained in “Destination: Safe” energize MARC’s safety conscious planning efforts. The planning, coalition building, education and implementation components executed under this regional initiative assists area residents in achieving its regional goal contained in Metro Outlook where the quality of life in the Kansas City region is rising for everyone.
For more information about MARC’s Transportation Safety Planning Program, contact Aaron Bartlett or Ron Achelpohl at 816/474-4240.
LATEST NEWS
Apply for FY 2009 funding
The "Destination: Safe" Coalition is accepting FY 2009 applications to fund strategies that reduce fatalities and serious injuries in the Kansas City region. More ››
Destination: Safe acclaimed for innovative planning
The region’s Destination: Safe coalition received a national 2007 Roadway Safety Award. More ››
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 28, 2008
"Destination: Safe" Coalition Leadership Team, 9:00 a.m.