Wyoming – Fatal Car Crash Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported there were 145 vehicle-related fatalities in the state of Wyoming in 2015. Statistics indicate vehicle fatalities dropped from 150 the prior year. The highest concentration of fatal crashes occurred in rural areas of the state with 119 of the total fatalities taking place in those locations. Urban areas had a low crash fatality rate with 24 accidents in those areas.
Wyoming’s vehicle-related fatalities can be attributed to alcohol, speeding, and failure to wear a seat belt while driving. There were two fatalities recorded with unknown causes. Fatality rates dropped significantly from 2011 to 2015 throughout the state. For example, Niobrara County had a fatality rate of 160.97 per 100,000 people in the state in 2011 to 78.68 per 100,000 people in 2015.
What Causes Wyoming’s Vehicle Fatalities
Outside conditions and forces (like weather) had little cause on fatal accidents in 2015 as most of the accidents documented took place on clear days. Most accidents also took place during the daytime hours on asphalt. Alcohol plays the highest role in the cause of fatal accidents in Wyoming.
Reducing Traffic Fatalities
Wyoming has enlisted the assistance of multiple law enforcement agencies to reduce Wyoming’s traffic fatality rates. Additional funding was put into monitoring speed, alcohol use of drivers, equipment, and training of officers. August is “Alcohol Crackdown” month in which there is an increased presence of officers on the streets to monitor drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Wyoming Association of Sherriff’s and Chief of Police (WASCOP) funded specific programs targeting training of law enforcement officers to assist those in police custody with analysis’ of suspects while they are in custody to get them the necessary treatment to prevent them from offending once they are released from custody. The state has taken very thorough steps to take care of and provide support for those charged with driving offenses.
More training and education has been provided to officers to increase the skills needed to detect drivers that are impaired from alcohol usage. The Cheyenne CLICK program was implemented to work with and reach out to children in schools to ensure youth alcohol and drug abuse is reduced. Additional equipment like breathalyzers and video recording devices to document alcohol and drug use in drivers has been purchased to help law enforcement officers perform their jobs.
Funding has also been put in place to make sure that there are enough mental health professionals, lawyers and judges to assess, treat, and sentence violators of alcohol and drug laws while driving to treatment and counseling. Wyoming has implemented a wide variety of programs to ensure that its citizens receive all the support and assistance they need if, they violate laws while driving.