Wyoming highway fatalities in 2014 have surpassed numbers from last year.
As of November 25, there were 136 highway fatalities compared to the 87 in 2013, according to a Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) press release. Even so this is not cause for concern, WHP Sergeant David Wagener said, as the 20-year average is 160.9 deaths.
“Numbers each year oscillate up and down, but the overall trend in a 20-year time frame is traffic fatalities are decreasing,” Wagener said.
The low figures for 2013 were a positive anomaly, he said, adding there is no conclusion as to what factors could have influenced the data.
Nine vehicle deaths have occurred in Albany County so far this year, however, Wagener said fatalities are generally spread throughout the state. He did note crashes are expected near Cheyenne and Casper due to large populations and the I-80 corridor because of the magnitude of traffic.
Although college students driving home for vacation does not necessarily constitute to higher highway fatalities, Wagener said this does put more vehicles on the road, which can increase risks of a crash.
The main hazards to traveling students are cell phone distractions, late night driving, not setting aside ample driving time and being sleep deprived, Wagener said.
“One of the big ones is for breaks, students usually take off after their last final,” he said. “Usually they are up late right before finals and then head out of Laramie to go home with little to no rest, which is very dangerous.”
Alex Malone, a UW sophomore studying geology and earth sciences, said he left at 1:30 a.m. for Thanksgiving break. Upon finishing his shift at work, Malone said he was determined to begin his seven-hour commute home to Nebraska.
“I just said screw it, and packed up all my stuff and started driving home because I really wanted to get home,” he said. “I wanted to get back sooner because I was tired of being in Laramie.”
Some dangerous road conditions and exhaustion plagued Malone throughout the drive, he said, which is exactly what Wagener said he fears could be factors to car wrecks.
During bad weather, variable highway signs will change speed limits on the highways, Wagener said. He added road conditions might appear safe at the signs; however, drivers should be aware the conditions will generally deteriorate a few miles down the road.
The WHP press release also lists several other methods for safe traveling including, wearing seat belts, maintaining vehicles and avoiding driving impaired, as forty of the fatalities this year have involved alcohol or drugs.
Ultimately the WHP can only provide so many driving tips, and then it is up to the drivers to keep themselves safe, Wagener said.
“As law enforcement, we can only do so much and enforce violations, but when it comes down to it, it’s up to individuals to make good decisions,” he said.
