Painter Stone – Staff Writer
There have been a reported 110 deaths on Wyoming highways this year, according to the Wyoming Department of Transportation.
In May the Wyoming Highway Patrol recorded its 55the fatal crash on the year. Comparing this number to the May fatal crash numbers from 2018 (27), 2017 (34), and 2016 (16), Wyoming is having a record-setting year for traffic fatalities and crashes. Wyoming is also coming from a low year with only 100 fatal crashes and 111 total deaths. As of April, there hasn’t been a month in 2019 where there hasn’t been a fatal crash somewhere around the state.
The 2019 highway safety plan published by the state of Wyoming, mentions being eligible for four separate highway safety grants this year: 405 (b) Occupant Protection, 405 (c) State Traffic Safety Information System Improvements, 405 (d) Impaired Driving Countermeasures, and 405 (f) Motorcyclists Safety Grants. All the eligible grants come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), a federal Association which provides grant funding to “national priority” states for the purpose of reducing highway deaths and Injuries. With Wyoming at a 6 year high for Highway deaths, and the trademark Wyoming winter around the corner. It is unlikely that Wyoming will be removed from the NHSTA’s “national priority”. Wyoming Highway Patrol Sargent Jeremy Beck advises “The first thing is to make sure you can make it to your destination safely”. Sgt. Beck also provided a list of safe driving habits in hopes to reduce Fatal crashes in the upcoming months
- Pay attention to the roadway and other traffic.
- Don’t play the ‘what if game” at an intersection (What if I can make it?).
- Slow down.
- Don’t drive distracted/fatigued/impaired.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
