(Statewide) – As the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season approaches, the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) is stepping up efforts to enhance roadway safety as part of the 2024 Holiday Season Impaired Driving Enforcement Detail and the IACP – CARE Life Saver Week: DWUI Detail.
These initiatives, focus on reducing crashes and impaired driving, will run concurrently this year, from December 18, 2024, to January 1, 2025.
The holiday season typically sees increased travel as families and friends journey to celebrate with loved ones. However, Wyoming’s winter weather often presents challenges for drivers, and impaired driving exacerbates these risks, leading to more crashes and fatalities on our highways.
So far this year, Wyoming has experienced 100 fatalities from 96 fatal crashes, underscoring the critical need for enhanced safety measures. Statistics reveal the alarming impact of impaired driving and seat belt non-compliance:
- 83% of people who died in rollover crashes were not wearing seat belts.
- 31% of people who died in multi-vehicle crashes were not wearing seat belts.
- 70% of Wyoming residents who died were not wearing seat belts.
- 47% of non-residents who died were not wearing seat belts.
- 23% of fatalities involved alcohol and/or drug impairment.
“Our troopers will remain vigilant and proactively enforce traffic laws during this critical time,” said Tim Cameron, Colonel of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. “We will focus on violations that contribute to crashes, including impaired driving, seat belt non-compliance, and other high-risk behaviors. Together, we can save lives and ensure safer travel for everyone this holiday season.”
The WHP urges all motorists to prioritize safety by:
- Never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Always wearing seat belts and ensuring passengers do the same.
- Adjusting speeds and driving cautiously in winter weather conditions.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol remains committed to reducing crashes and fatalities on our highways. By participating in these national efforts, WHP aims to raise awareness, prevent crashes, and protect the lives of residents and visitors alike.
For more information about the WHP and its initiatives please visit WHP.WYO.GOV.
Stay safe, Wyoming, and have a happy holiday season.