Wyoming Recorded High Unrestrained Driver Fatalities
Data shows 61 percent of 2024 roadway deaths in Wyoming involved people who were not wearing seat belts.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 61 percent of 2024 Wyoming roadway fatalities involved unrestrained motorists. This rate ranked the state second highest in the U.S. for such incidents during that year.
Why it matters
High rates of unrestrained fatalities highlight ongoing challenges with road safety and occupant protection compliance. Understanding these statistics helps identify the scale of risk faced by motorists who choose to travel without seat belts.
In 2024, the Wyoming Highway Patrol recorded 45 unbuckled occupant deaths out of 102 total fatal crashes. The state saw a 48 percent unbuckled fatality rate in 2025 and 54 percent in 2026.
The players
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
This is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Transportation responsible for saving lives and preventing injuries on roadways.
Wyoming Highway Patrol
This state law enforcement agency is dedicated to providing professional service and protecting lives on Wyoming roadways.
The details
The Wyoming Highway Patrol calculates that unbuckled occupant deaths remain a significant portion of total traffic fatalities across the state. While Puerto Rico reported a higher rate of 72 percent in 2024, Wyoming stands at the second-highest level nationally for unrestrained motorist deaths.
Timeline
In 2024, the state recorded key statistics for unrestrained driver fatalities.
In 2025, the Wyoming Highway Patrol reported that 48 percent of roadway deaths involved unrestrained occupants.
In September 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released its latest report on vehicle fatalities.
Health Landscape
The reported statistics follow the methodology established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on 2024 roadway fatalities. This data allows for direct state-by-state comparisons that help public health officials evaluate the effectiveness of regional occupant safety campaigns.
The high prevalence of unbuckled occupant deaths underscores the necessity of consistent seat belt use to prevent fatal trauma during crashes. Residents should prioritize using safety restraints on every trip to significantly reduce the risk of severe or fatal outcomes during roadway accidents.
The takeaway
Drivers are encouraged to always buckle up as the most effective way to prevent fatal injury on the road. Consistent use of seat belts remains a critical habit for ensuring personal safety during travel across the state.
Further reading
For more information on state safety trends, see our Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bigfoot99-KTGA.
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