Preliminary findings from the 2025 Colorado Seat Belt Study indicate that Pueblo County has the lowest seat belt usage rate in Colorado, with only 71.6% of drivers and passengers regularly buckling up. This figure is significantly below both the state average of 90.7% and the national average of 91.2%.
In response, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced a new coalition aimed at increasing seat belt use in Pueblo County. The initiative will bring together representatives from health, safety, education, business, and community sectors to develop strategies for improving local seat belt compliance.
“There are no excuses when it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones in a vehicle,” said Sam Cole, Traffic Safety Communications Manager at CDOT. “With Pueblo’s seat belt rate still 19 points below the state average, this campaign will work locally to make seat belt use a community value—every trip, every time.”
The announcement took place at the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo on Monday, where CDOT joined community leaders to highlight the importance of collaborative efforts throughout Pueblo County.
To raise awareness about seat belt safety, three large displays constructed from actual seat belts will be installed at locations such as the Riverwalk, Pueblo Zoo, local schools, and various special events across Pueblo. The displays feature messages addressing common reasons for not wearing seat belts and emphasize that most accidents happen close to home or on streets with lower speed limits.
“This comes down to all of us, as a community, setting the right example and looking out for our families and each other,” said Chris Noeller, Pueblo Chief of Police and Deputy Mayor. “This is a health and safety issue that each and every one of us in this community can solve immediately.”
Randy Evetts, Public Health Director at the Pueblo Department of Public Health & Environment added: “The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment is extremely grateful to be a part of this necessary partnership in our community, as we work to promote and protect the health of our friends, neighbors, and young people every day. Wearing a seatbelt is a critical step in protecting your own health and safety and can help prevent serious injuries and avoidable tragedies.”
Duane Nava, President and CEO of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce stated: “We appreciate this partnership and look forward to bringing even more residents and organizations into this effort. So much of our work at the chamber is about our reputation as a community. Buckling up is a small thing, but it’s a way to demonstrate that in Pueblo, we do the right thing for ourselves, our families and our friends.”
Noah Commerford from the Pueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce commented: “We are committed to the safety and well-being of our community. Wearing a seatbelt is a simple action that saves lives, and we encourage everyone to make it a daily habit. Protecting our people ensures our loved ones, co-workers, neighbors, and fellow Puebloans can head to and from work or school safely as well as efficiently.”
Brittney Surniak RN shared her perspective as trauma services manager at UCHealth Parkview: “As a trauma nurse I have seen firsthand how seat belts save lives. Wearing a seat belt not only prevents fatalities but also greatly reduces the severity of injuries when crashes occur. Something as simple as buckling up can mean the difference between walking away from a crash or facing long-term recovery.”
Kambria Humphreys from Southern Colorado Youth Go emphasized personal responsibility: “This issue is personal for me. I lost a friend who was not buckled up during a terrible crash in downtown Pueblo,” she said. “As a young person advocating for a safer community we have to send the message: It’s our personal responsibility to wear a seat belt every time we’re in a vehicle.”
Data over five years shows fluctuating rates for seat belt use in Pueblo County: rising steadily between 2021 (66.20%) through 2024 (79.23%), before dropping again in 2025 (71.58%).
