Driving while distracted in Kansas? Study says state is among the worst for it

Keep your eyes on the road, Kansans.

A recent study ranked Kansas as the second worst state for distracted driving, ranking just below New Mexico and above Louisiana.

The study, by Bader Law, a Georgia-based injury law firm, looked at data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Highway Safety Administration and the U.S. Census Bureau for its analysis of the top 10 worst states for distracted driving.

The study reported 6.87 deaths due to distracted driving per 100,000 licensed drivers in Kansas in 2022.

“In 2022, the state reported 110 fatalities caused by distracted drivers. This means that 26.83% of all fatal accidents in Kansas were due to distracted driving, which is significantly higher than the national average of 7.78%,” the study reads.

In comparison, the study said New Mexico reported 18.83 deaths per 100,000 licensed drivers and Louisiana, the state ranked just below Kansas, reported 7.17.

Distracted driving is a problem all over the U.S., the report reads. In 2022, the country had 3,308 fatalities caused by distracted driving incidents. You can find more about the methodology of the report online.

Avoiding distractions while behind the wheel

There are several kinds of distracted driving. It can be a simple thing, like looking down at your GPS to make sure you’re making the right turn or looking at something on the side of the road.

The NHTSA defines distracted driving as “anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.” In Kansas, there are laws to prevent some distractions, including bans on texting while driving.

Kansas law prohibits sending and reading text messages while operating a motor vehicle. The law does allow for people to use their cell to read, enter or select the telephone number, however.

It’s important to keep your eyes on the road when you’re behind the wheel. Here are some tips to avoid any possible distractions while driving, from AAA:

• Avoid eating while driving.
• Put away your phone while driving. If you need to read or send a text, pull over.
• Prepare before you start driving: select music, adjust mirrors and set the temperature ahead of time.
• If you have a passenger, have them assist with directions so you’re not looking at your GPS.

Worst US states for distracted driving

Bader Law’s analysis found these are the 10 worst states in the nation for distracted driving in 2025:

1. New Mexico
2. Kansas
3. Louisiana
4. Kentucky
5. New Jersey
6. Hawaii
7. Idaho
8. Texas
9. Wyoming
10. Washington

Lindsay Smith

The Wichita Eagle

Lindsay Smith is a suburban news reporter for the Wichita Eagle, covering the communities of Andover, Bel Aire, Derby, Haysville and Kechi. She has been on The Eagle staff since 2022 and was the service journalism reporter for three years. She has a degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism from Wichita State, where she was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Sunflower, for two years. You can reach her via email at lsmith@wichitaeagle.com.