(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant participated on a state panel looking at the state's occupant protection policies and procedures.

According to a news release, Merchant was invited April 5th to serve on KDOT's Bureau of Transportation's Safety and Technology panel along with with a team of experts.

The information Merchant provided will help identify occupant protection strategies that are working in the state and provide additional ideas and plans to further develop driver and passenger safety on Kansas roadways.

It was the second year Merchant has been invited and participated in the event. He was one of only two Kansas Sheriff’s asked to participate in the process.