Don't Leave the Scene
In the event of a car accident, it's paramount that you don't depart from the scene. Leaving can lead to your driving privileges being revoked or your license suspended.
Wyoming Car Crash Statistics
Wyoming's vast landscapes and rural highways present unique challenges for drivers, contributing to its concerning position in national car crash statistics. The state consistently ranks high in several grim categories, including the number of deaths per 100,000 people and fatal single-vehicle wrecks.
The state had the second-highest vehicle death rate per 100,000 people in 2020, with rural roads being notably dangerous. The lack of use of vehicle restraints significantly contributes to fatalities, particularly in rollover and multi-car collisions.
Notably, drugs or alcohol were involved in 37% of the total crashes, surpassing the national average. Efforts to improve road safety include legislative changes and WYDOT projects aimed at addressing hot spots for crashes through infrastructure improvements.
Furthermore, Wyoming faces more than its fair share of single-vehicle, rural crashes. Single-vehicle rollovers are notably the most common type of crash, with such incidents making up 60% of all fatal crashes in 2020. This situation is compounded by the state's lenient safety policies, particularly regarding seat belt and motorcycle helmet laws. For example, not wearing a seat belt is a secondary offense, which could partially explain why a significant number of people killed in crashes were not using seat belts or child restraints. Wyoming also records a high percentage of fatal crashes in rural areas, with the state and surrounding regions topping the list for the highest percentage of such incidents.
Fatal Crashes
102
Deaths
110
Deaths per 100,000 population
19.0
Deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
0.99
Crash Types
110
Single-vehicle
68
Multiple-vehicle
42
Alcohol Involvement
59killed
Drivers killed with known BAC results
42
Estimated drivers killed with BACs ≥ 0.08
21
Deaths by Road User
Rural vs. Urban Crashes
Notably, drugs or alcohol were involved in 37% of the total crashes, surpassing the national average. Efforts to improve road safety include legislative changes and WYDOT projects aimed at addressing hot spots for crashes through infrastructure improvements.
Furthermore, Wyoming faces more than its fair share of single-vehicle, rural crashes. Single-vehicle rollovers are notably the most common type of crash, with such incidents making up 60% of all fatal crashes in 2020. This situation is compounded by the state's lenient safety policies, particularly regarding seat belt and motorcycle helmet laws. For example, not wearing a seat belt is a secondary offense, which could partially explain why a significant number of people killed in crashes were not using seat belts or child restraints. Wyoming also records a high percentage of fatal crashes in rural areas, with the state and surrounding regions topping the list for the highest percentage of such incidents.
Number of Fatal Crashes
Number of Serious Injury Crashes
Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads in West Virginia
Navigating Wyoming's roads can be both breathtaking and perilous, with certain stretches proving more dangerous than others. The state's rugged terrain, coupled with extreme weather conditions, contributes to making some roads particularly hazardous for drivers. Here's an overview of the top 5 most dangerous roads in Wyoming, based on factors like the crash per mile rate and number of fatalities:
80
8 Fatal crashes/year
80
5 Fatal crashes/year
59
3 Fatal crashes/year
191
3 Fatal crashes/year
25
3 Fatal crashes/year
Key Car Crash Statistics in West Virginia
- In 2021, Wyoming experienced 102 fatal crashes that resulted in 110 deaths.
- 2020: Wyoming had the second-highest number of vehicle deaths per 100,000 people in the U.S., with 114 crashes resulting in 127 deaths.
- 2020: Single-vehicle rollovers were particularly common, accounting for 60% of all fatal crashes in Wyoming. Additionally, 80% of vehicle fatalities occurred on rural highways, highlighting the dangers of less urbanized roads.
- 2022: A lack of vehicle restraints significantly contributed to road fatalities. Of the 123 fatalities resulting from 107 fatal crashes, 62 were linked to the failure to utilize occupant restraints. This included 41 rollover crashes, 17 multi-car collisions, and four collisions with fixed objects.
- 2022: Drugs or alcohol were involved in 37% of total crashes, surpassing the national average of 28%.
- 2023: As of early 2023, Wyoming saw 31 year-to-date deaths, compared to 16 in the same period in 2022, indicating an increase in fatalities.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in West Virginia?
Following an accident in Wyoming, adhere to these in-depth guidelines to navigate the situation responsibly:
1
2
Safety First
If you can, move your vehicle out of the road to prevent further collisions and enable emergency vehicles to access the scene more easily. Turn off the engine, and avoid smoking due to the risk of igniting spilled fuel. If the car crash involves a telephone pole, watch out for downed electrical wires.
3
Assist the Injured
Offer immediate help to other motorists, passengers, or pedestrians who might be injured. Be cautious when moving an injured person, and ideally, wait for an ambulance. Call 911 to report injuries and request medical assistance. It's also necessary to inform the local police, especially if there are fatalities, injuries, or significant property damage.
4
Exchange Information
It's essential to exchange the following information with other parties involved in the Traffic collision: name, address, contact details, driver's license number, and auto insurance information. If you happen to hit an unattended vehicle unintentionally, make an effort to find the owner or leave a note containing your contact details along with information regarding the incident.
5
Document the Scene
Capture photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, to have a record of the car accident. This documentation can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
6
Report the Accident
If the accident results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, you must file a report with the Wyoming Department of Transportation (DOT). This requirement stands regardless of whether police were present and filed a report at the scene. Failing to report a significant Traffic collision is a serious offense.
7
Contact Your Insurance
Promptly inform your insurance provider about the car crash to begin the claims process. Your insurance company will guide you on the steps to take, including the submission of any necessary documents and following up on claims.
8
Legal Assistance
Consider consulting with a legal professional, especially if the accident involves significant damage, injuries, or potential liability issues. A lawyer can help navigate the complexities of fatal car accidents and insurance claims, ensuring your rights are protected.
West Virginia Driving Laws and Facts
Speed Limits
The maximum speed limit on interstate highways is 80 mph, with a note that driving too slowly in the left lane is illegal if it impedes traffic flow. No specific state law sets a minimum speed limit, but drivers should maintain a speed that doesn't adversely affect the flow of traffic. Different speed limits apply to school zones, private roads, county roads, state highways, and urban areas, so it's essential to pay attention to posted signs.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Wyoming enforces strict DUI laws, with a legal limit of 0.08% BAC (blood alcohol concentration). Refusing a breath, blood, or urine test when requested by an officer can lead to a warrant for a blood sample. Penalties for a first DUI offense include a driver's license suspension for 90 days, up to six months imprisonment, and a fine of up to $750, with more severe penalties for subsequent offenses.
Distracted Driving
Texting while driving is illegal in Wyoming. The law categorizes distractions into manual, visual, and cognitive types. Some cities have stricter rules, banning the use of handheld devices entirely. Violations can lead to significant fines and a misdemeanor charge.
Insurance Requirements
Valid insurance coverage is required to drive in Wyoming. For those visiting from outside the U.S., it's important to ensure your insurance is valid in the States. If visiting from another state for less than 90 days, your current policy should suffice, but it's advisable to confirm this.
Right of Way and Traffic Signals
Right turns on red signals are allowed after a complete stop and ensuring no oncoming traffic is present. Red flashing lights always mean stop, and yellow flashing lights indicate caution. U-turns are generally permitted unless explicitly prohibited by signage. Four-way stops are based on a first-arrival basis, or if arriving simultaneously, the vehicle to the right has priority.
Child Restraint Laws
Children up to age nine must use federally approved car seats and sit in the back seat unless all rear seats are occupied by children. The law is somewhat vague on the specifics of the car seat orientation (rear or forward-facing) as long as it meets federal standards.
Headlights
Wyoming requires the use of headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Additionally, headlights must be used during any conditions that significantly reduce visibility, such as fog, heavy rain, or snow. This law helps ensure that vehicles are visible to other drivers during poor visibility conditions.
West Virginia Weird Traffic Laws
Along with its standard laws, West Virginia has some unique and odd laws drivers should know about.
- It is against the law to hunt while inside a vehicle.