Preliminary data from the 2025 Colorado Seat Belt Study indicates that Pueblo County has the lowest seat belt usage rate in Colorado. The study reports a rate of 71.6% for Pueblo County, compared to the state average of 90.7% and the national average of 91.2%.
In response, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced a new community coalition aimed at increasing seat belt use in Pueblo County. This group will include representatives from health, safety, education, business, and community organizations who will work together to develop strategies for encouraging more residents to buckle up.
“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.”
CDOT introduced the initiative during an event with local leaders at the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo. The effort seeks broad involvement across various sectors in Pueblo County.
To raise awareness about seat belt safety, CDOT will install three large displays made from real seat belts at several locations around Pueblo, including the Riverwalk, Pueblo Zoo, local schools, and special events. The displays carry messages addressing common reasons people give for not wearing seat belts and highlight that most accidents happen on low-speed streets close to home.
“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, President and CEO of the Pueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce said: “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., manager of trauma services at UCHealth Parkview shared her experience: “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 Youth Chairperson of Southern Colorado Youth Go added: “This issue is personal for me. I lost a friend who was not buckled up during a terrible crash in downtown Pueblo. 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.”
Recent data shows fluctuations in local seat belt usage over five years: 66.20% (2021), 67.60% (2022), peaking at 79.23% (2024), then dropping again in 2025.
