Look Out For KC
You are 34% More Likely to die in traffic in missouri than the US in general.
Our city needs to do better, and we can by looking out for one another. When you hit the road, make sure you’re looking out for those around you—pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. Because distracted driving is costing Kansas Citians their lives, now more than ever.
Look Out for Children, KC.
In KC, Black children are 7X More Likely to be injured by drivers than white children.
Ezrayel Hill,
Road traffic victim
Kensington & 23rd Street
Ezrayel’s Story
While visiting family in Kansas City, Ezrayel was playing in the front yard when he fell into the street and was struck by a driver.
Read his story
Visiting Kansas City for a family reunion in 2019, nine-year-old Ezrayel was playing with neighborhood kids while his mother, Charlene, ran errands. While playing on a sloped hill near 23rd and Kensington, Ezrayel lost his footing and fell into the street. A passing driver struck and killed him.
Charlene received a frantic call from a friend: Ezrayel had been hit and had died on impact. When Gloria, Ezrayel’s grandmother, received the news that evening, she was inconsolable. She met her grandson for the first time that Friday—in a casket.
Ezrayel was a spirited child—mischievous, loving, and deeply connected to those around him. He adored his brother and cousins, two of which were standout players in Bakersfield, California. Ezrayel enjoyed sports—he liked football but loved basketball, whether playing or cheering on his cousins. Raised with faith by his grandfather, Ezrayel developed a strong bond with God from an early age.
Grief weighed heavily on the family. Charlene battled guilt, speaking daily to Ezrayel and seeking his forgiveness, only beginning to heal after counseling and guidance from Gloria.
To honor Ezrayel’s legacy, the family has worked to rename the street where he died and push for safety improvements near the park. Charlene continued to light a daily candle for him and organized a memorial celebration in Bakersfield.
“The question we have to ask ourselves is: are we willing to lose our neighbors, lose our family members, are we willing to pay a price that steep? Or are we willing to do something different that we know is going to save lives."
policy director with transportation advocacy group BikeWalkKC
Look Out for Cyclists, KC.
KC Cyclist deaths have risen 85% since 2013.
Anthony Saluto,
Road traffic victim
Independence Avenue & the Paseo
Anthony’s Story
Anthony never made it to watch the 2016 home opener. He was biking to meet his friends in the City Market when he was struck by a driver under the influence.
Read his story
Anthony was riding his bicycle down Independence Avenue, heading to the City Market to watch the Royals’ 2016 home opener. As he crossed the Paseo, he was struck by a driver traveling in the wrong direction under the influence of cocaine. The impact threw Anthony twenty feet into the air. He landed with fatal injuries—his face crushed, every bone broken.
Despite undeniable evidence of reckless behavior, the driver received only 120 days in rehabilitation.
Anthony’s family, friends and community were devastated. Described by his mother as loving, caring, and selfless beyond measure, Anthony possessed a rare character and a heart filled with compassion for others.
At his memorial, an overwhelming number of people came forward—bike riding companions, karaoke partners, Bible study friends, and even terminally ill individuals he had cared for personally—to express their love for him. Anthony’s death left a void not just in his family but across Kansas City.
His mother became a fierce advocate for safer streets in Kansas City. She educated herself on the gaps in infrastructure and funding for non-drivers, testified to preserve essential projects, and joined efforts to pass distracted driving laws at the state level. Through her advocacy, she honors Anthony’s memory.
“You deserve to be able to leave your home and go wherever you need and know you will return safely. This is preventable because of the way the street is configured. We can do something different. We have to make a choice as a community, as leaders, to choose that different path.”
policy director with transportation advocacy group BikeWalkKC
Look Out for Pedestrians, KC.
This was the third fatal hit-and-run in a seven-block stretch in two years.
Michelle Dunmore,
Road traffic victim
86th Terrace & Troost
Michelle's Story
Michelle was killed by a hit-and-run driver as she was walking to catch the bus. When the sidewalk ended, so did her life.
Read her story
On a cool, October day in 2023, Michelle walked along a northbound sidewalk near Troost and 86th Terrace to catch the bus. When the sidewalk turned into a pile of rubble, Michelle was forced around it. That is when Michelle’s life was cut short. She was struck by a vehicle whose driver fled the scene, leaving her fatally injured. Tragically, this was the third fatal hit-and-run crash in this seven-block stretch in two years. Michelle’s death was avoidable.
Michelle was a mother, sister, friend and cherished member of the Kansas City community. Known for her warm spirit and unwavering dedication to those she loved, she brought joy to everyone around her.
Following this devastating loss, Michelle’s family became vocal advocates for improved pedestrian infrastructure to prevent others from becoming victims. They called upon city officials to install sidewalks along Troost Avenue to prevent further tragedies and ensure the safety of all residents. Their efforts aimed to transform grief into action, seeking to create a lasting legacy in Michelle’s honor by fostering a safer community for pedestrians. Through their advocacy, they honor Michelle’s memory and strive to effect meaningful change in their community.
“People feel like only a criminal will kill someone with a gun, but everyone can get behind the wheel of a car and accidentally kill someone. We also need to pay attention to what could have prevented that vehicle from striking the pedestrian on the road.”
daughter of Michelle Dunmore
Look Out for Pedestrians, KC.
Pedestrians face a higher risk of injury or death at intersections.
Nora Anzawi,
Road traffic victim
74th & Wornall
Nora's Story
Nora was leaving her sister’s birthday when she was hit at 30 mph in a crosswalk. The crash shattered her leg and caused post-traumatic concussion syndrome among other injuries.
Read her story
After celebrating her sister’s birthday with a friend in Waldo, Nora Anzawi ordered an Uber to take her home. As Nora and her friend crossed the road at a marked crosswalk to meet their ride, they were struck by a driver traveling 30 miles per hour. Nora’s skull instantly cracked against the windshield while her friend was thrown twenty feet.
Nora drifted in and out of consciousness as she was loaded into the ambulance. The driver had reportedly stopped, but Nora remained unaware as she and her friend were rushed to the ER with severe injuries, including broken bones and post-traumatic concussion syndrome. For months, Nora suffered from the crash, including experiencing cognitive disorientation and dizziness.
While recovering, Nora discovered the police report held conflicting witness accounts and wrongly suggested she and her friend were at fault. Insurance denied her coverage, leaving her burdened with medical bills and stripped of her independence during her final semester of graduate school. The emotional and physical toll was immense.
Through her own research, Nora found the crash site was a known danger zone. Seeking justice, she filed a complaint to amend the police report but received no response. Determined to be heard, Nora contacted local media, her council representative, and partnered with organizations like BikeWalkKC. Her story helped raise awareness and spurred her advocacy for Vision Zero. Since its adoption, Nora has remained active in championing safer streets, driven by the belief that no one should suffer for simply walking across the street.
“I came to find the location where I was hit was a known hotspot for pedestrian crashes by every attorney I met with. I wanted justice because this wasn’t a ‘freak accident,’ it was a result of a larger pattern.”
road traffic victim
Look out for KC with us.
Kansas City roads are dangerous for both pedestrians and drivers. In fact, the rate of traffic deaths in the Kansas City region is 25% higher than it was just a decade ago. That’s why BikeWalkKC and MoDOT have joined forces—to help make a difference on the streets of Kansas City.
Speak up and let your elected officials and community leaders know that you want more infrastructure improvements and safer streets. Sign up for BikeWalkKC Advocacy Alerts and we'll make it easy for you to take action.
Make Your Voice Heard
Subscribe to Advocacy Alerts for important notices about opportunities to speak up for better walking and bicycling in your own community.
These were not accidents.
They were lives lost.
68% of fatal and serious crashes happen on 13% of Kansas City’s roads.
This proves that if an accident is predictable, it’s preventable. These individuals didn’t deserve to be severely injured or die in a vehicular crash, but their experiences tell a powerful story. If you have a story of your own to share, we want to hear it.
BikeWalkKC will share your story with local leaders and policymakers. We share these stories to push for policy changes and increased funding that will save more lives.
For media inquiries please contact: Kevin Barry
kbarry@parriscommunications.com
201.388.5667
This webpage is paid for with federal highway safety funding by the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Founded in 2010, BikeWalkKC is a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service.