Traffic fatalities down in Colorado

DENVER - According to preliminary data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic fatalities in Colorado decreased last year.

The data shows 16 states, including Colorado, had at least a five percent drop in roadway deaths since 2005.

Colorado saw a significant decrease at 12 percent, which translates to 73 lives.

The Colorado State Patrol believes the improvement is due to people finally getting the message.

“We're going to talk about seatbelt safety. How many of you guys wear your seatbelt all the time?” said Eric Wynn of the Colorado State Patrol, at a youth training session at St. Louis School in Englewood.

Patrolman Wynn believes you can't sugarcoat safety.

“If you’re not wearing your seatbelt it is going to be the windshield or another vehicle,” said Wynn.

After working Colorado's roads for seven years, Wynn says he has seen his share of preventable accidents.

“If we can save a life in a traffic accident, we're going to strive to do that,” said Wynn.

The Colorado State Patrol believes that starts with education. That is one reason law enforcement believes traffic fatalities are down.

“These are future drivers in Colorado,” said Wynn. “And you catch the behavior at a young age and show them that it's all about how you present yourself out there.”

Last year, Colorado reported 532 fatalities - down from 606 the year before. While these numbers are still preliminary, Wynn says it feels good to know what he's doing is making a difference.

“It is significant,” said Wynn. “Even if you save one life, it's significant.”

In addition to education, some states, including Colorado, credit changes in the law for the decease in traffic deaths.

Of all the states, New Hampshire saw the largest drop in fatalities - at nearly 24 percent.

However, New Hampshire does not have a mandatory seatbelt law for adults.

While some states have good news to report, Wyoming's numbers for 2006 show an increase in traffic fatalities. They’re up 15 percent from 2005.

Wyoming State Troopers say there is no single contributing factor to the rise in deaths, but point to Wyoming's steady increase in the volume of traffic on its roadways.