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 buckling up. This figure is significantly lower than both 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 throughout Pueblo County. The coalition brings together representatives from health, safety, education, business, and other community sectors to develop strategies for improving 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 initiative was launched at an event held at the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo, where CDOT officials joined local leaders to emphasize the need for broad participation across the county.
As part of efforts to raise awareness about seat belt safety, three large displays constructed from real seat belts will be installed at prominent locations such as the Riverwalk, Pueblo Zoo, local schools, and special events around Pueblo. These displays highlight common reasons people give for not wearing seat belts alongside messages reminding viewers that most crashes happen on streets with lower speed limits or 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 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., manager of trauma services at UCHealth Parkview shared her perspective: “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 for Southern Colorado Youth Go reflected on her personal experience: “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.”
According to CDOT data over recent years showed some fluctuation in local compliance rates; after reaching 79.23% in 2024 following steady increases since 2021 (66.20%), usage dropped again in 2025.
