Distracted Driving Causes 26% of Kansas Crashes
It only takes a few seconds of inattention for a car accident to change someone’s life forever. Yet according to 2023 crash statistics from the Kansas Department of Transportation, distracted driving contributed to more than 14,500 crashes that year, accounting for 26% of all crashes statewide. That’s more than one in four collisions — caused not by weather or mechanical failure, but by drivers who weren’t paying attention.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a time to recognize how widespread the problem has become and to question whether current safety measures are doing enough to protect Kansas drivers. A recently signed law — Senate Bill 8 (SB8) — offers one example of how lawmakers are trying to address the crisis. But for injured victims, the law still leaves significant gaps.
What SB8 Changes — And What It Doesn’t
SB8, signed into law in March, expands Kansas’s “move over” requirement. It mandates that drivers must move over a lane — or slow down if that isn’t possible — when approaching any stopped or disabled vehicle with hazard lights or warning signals, not just emergency vehicles. The bill was backed heavily by AAA, which cited the thousands of annual fatalities tied to distraction on American roads.
The goal is to prevent rear-end and sideswipe collisions involving vehicles pulled over on shoulders, a common scenario in distracted driving incidents. But while SB8 addresses a very specific kind of roadside risk, it doesn’t tackle the broader, everyday distractions drivers engage in — like texting, scrolling, eating, or entering GPS destinations while driving through Wichita neighborhoods or along I-135.
And for those who have already been injured, SB8 does little to create new rights or remedies.
Kansas’s Ongoing Distracted Driving Problem
Despite public awareness efforts, distracted driving remains a persistent and deadly issue across Kansas. Cell phones remain a top culprit, but distractions come in many forms: passengers, in-vehicle technology, navigation systems, or simply mental preoccupation.
In Kansas, it is illegal to physically handle your phone while driving, even at red lights. Hands-free calls are allowed, but texting, emailing, or holding a device can result in citations — and in the event of a crash, serious legal consequences.
Still, enforcement is limited, and many drivers remain unaware of the law’s reach. That means the burden often falls on crash victims to prove that the other driver was distracted.
How Traffic Laws Like SB8 Influence Injury Lawsuits
When a crash occurs, traffic violations can play a key role in determining fault and financial liability. A driver who violates a law, such as SB8 or Kansas’s hands-free requirement, may be considered negligent under the law. This concept, known as negligence per se, allows a traffic violation to serve as evidence that the driver was acting unreasonably.
But most distracted driving crashes don’t involve a clear citation. That’s why personal injury claims often require a deeper investigation into what actually happened in the seconds before impact.
A driver might not have been ticketed at the scene, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t distracted. Proving that often depends on how quickly an experienced legal team can begin collecting evidence.
Why early investigation matters in distracted driving cases
In distracted driving cases, critical evidence can disappear fast. Some of the most useful sources of information are only retained for a short period, especially digital records. Early legal action increases the chances of preserving what’s needed to prove the case.
Here are several types of evidence that may help demonstrate a driver was distracted:
- Phone Records: Text logs, call histories, and app data may reveal if a driver was using their device at the time of the crash.
- Black Box Data: Many vehicles have event data recorders that log speed, braking, and steering input, helping show if the driver reacted too late.
- Dashcam or Traffic Camera Footage: Video may capture what the driver was doing moments before the crash.
- Witness Statements: Passengers, other drivers, or bystanders may recall signs of distraction that are not included in the police report.
When gathered in time, this kind of evidence can make a strong difference in holding a distracted driver accountable. When left uncollected, it may be lost for good. That’s why it’s so important to consult an experienced distracted driving lawyer after a serious crash.
How To Send Distracted Drivers a Strong Message
SB8 is a positive step toward improving safety, but it doesn’t erase the damage caused when a distracted driver causes a crash. For those left dealing with injuries, medical bills, or the loss of a loved one, justice often comes not from a traffic citation but from a successful legal claim.
Holding distracted drivers accountable requires more than pointing out a law. It means building a compelling case, preserving the facts, and pursuing full compensation from all responsible parties. An experienced Kansas distracted driving accident lawyer can guide that process and make sure no detail is overlooked.
If you or someone you love was seriously hurt by a distracted driver, don’t wait. Legal deadlines apply, and key evidence may already be slipping away. Contact Warner Law Offices in Wichita for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no fees unless we win your case.
"The experience with Warner Law Offices was very professional and outstanding. They are very knowledgeable, congenial, and have great communication skills, and will tend to whatever needs you may have. Thank you for your dedication. I would definitely recommend them if you are in need of legal services." - Baxter S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐