In an effort to continue Wyoming’s decline in fatal crashes, the state’s Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol are collaborating on a public safety campaign to increase seat belt use and promote sober and safe driving.

WYDOT will display on dynamic message signs such advice as, “Check your seat belt! Check your speed!” and “Your family needs you! Slow Down! Buckle Up!”

“It’s vital that we help educate our citizens on the importance of buckling up and not driving under the influence,” said Bill Panos, director of WYDOT. “One of our goals is to improve safety on our state highways, and these messages will help us do that.”

Overall fatalities and fatal crashes have been decreasing in Wyoming since 2014. In 2014, there were 150 fatalities from 131 fatal crashes. In 2015, there were 145 fatalities from 129 crashes. And in 2016, there were 112 fatalities from 100 fatal crashes, according to WYDOT’s Highway Safety Office. So far this year, Wyoming has had 18 fatalities from 15 fatal crashes.

WYDOT’s Transportation Management Center is responsible for changing out the different messages that motorists see.