Preliminary data from the 2025 Colorado Seat Belt Study indicates that Pueblo County has the lowest seat belt usage rate in Colorado, at 71.6%. 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) has announced a new community coalition to address this issue. The group will include representatives from health, safety, education, business, and other community sectors. Its goal is to develop strategies over the coming months to increase seat belt use in Pueblo County.
“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 with local leaders present to highlight the importance of community involvement.
To raise awareness, three large displays made from actual seat belts will be installed at various locations around Pueblo—including the Riverwalk, Pueblo Zoo, schools, and special events. These displays feature messages addressing common reasons for not wearing seat belts and remind viewers that most crashes occur close to home or on roads 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 stated: “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 added: “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 from UCHealth Parkview commented: “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 shared her personal perspective: “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.”
Recent years have shown some fluctuation in local compliance rates according to CDOT figures; after an increase through 2024 when rates reached 79.23%, usage dropped again in 2025 back down near previous levels.
