WYDOT works to carry downward fatality trend into New Year

Fatalities on Wyoming’s roadways are down in 2018, and the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Wyoming Highway Patrol are working to get the word out to drivers to finish out the year safely.

“All of us at WYDOT family want to wish you a Happy New Year,” said Bill Panos, WYDOT director. “But remember to wear your seat belt, designate a driver, take a cab or use a ride service, if needed.”

While WYDOT needs cooperation from the public to continue to improve safety on the state’s roadways, it will continue efforts to provide a safe and efficient transportation system.

Construction projects to address safety issues and improve traffic flow have recently been approved by the Wyoming Transportation Commission. For example, contracts have been awarded in the past three months to add lanes on WYO 50 near Gillette, add passing lanes on WYO 220 between Muddy Gap and Casper and add passing lanes on WYO 789 between Hudson and Riverton.

Additionally, the department and WHP will continue efforts to partner with local, county and neighboring states’ law enforcement in efforts to improve highway safety. The department has been partnering with Colorado to reduce blow overs during high-wind events by requiring truck traffic to exit the interstate, allowing those vehicles that do not pose a blow-over risk to continue. 

WHP has also partnered with Colorado, Utah and Idaho to promote safe driving during sporting events in which higher traffic volumes are anticipated. 

“We’re always looking for opportunities to improve safety for the traveling public, but the reality is, the best way to protect yourself and your family is to wear your seat belt,” WHP Col. Kebin Haller said.

The department is also partnering on a pilot program to test the safety benefits of connected vehicles, a system that pushes near real-time road and travel data to vehicles traveling Interstate 80.