‘Every Click Counts’ coalition confronts Pueblo County’s persistent traffic safety issue, seat belts (CDOT)

Pueblo County residents face a greater risk of serious injury or death in traffic crashes due to low seat belt use compared to other Coloradans. At a special briefing today, a community coalition of seat belt advocates and its partner, the Colorado Department of Transportation, highlighted ongoing efforts to improve seat belt use. Pueblo County has consistently ranked lowest, or near lowest, in Colorado in the annual Colorado Statewide Seat Belt Study. Last year, the study found a seat belt usage rate of 71.6% in Pueblo County, compared to the Colorado average of 90.7% and the national average of 91.2%.

The numbers spurred the formation, and ongoing collaboration, of the ‘Every Click Counts’ coalition in fall 2025. The Pueblo coalition is composed of representatives from county, municipal, education, transportation and business sectors, with support from CDOT. Throughout 2026, the coalition met regularly to coordinate activities and opportunities to promote seat belt use.

“A culture of safety starts locally,” said Southeast Colorado Transportation Director Shane Ferguson. “The ‘Every Click Counts’ coalition has created the foundation for an effort that can make a difference. The fact is, most Pueblo drivers and passengers are buckling up. That’s a positive reality this coalition can continue to amplify and build upon throughout the community.”

In recognition of the coalition’s effort to improve seat belt use, Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham issued a proclamation designating Sept. 9, 2026, as “Pueblo Seat Belt Awareness Day.”

“Buckling up is one of the easiest ways to improve the safety of our residents, and it affects all of us,” said Graham. “I am especially proud to recognize the Pueblo Police Department as a strong partner in this coalition and their commitment to working with our community proactively to protect our community.”

Learn more about Pueblo’s ‘Every Click Count’ coalition here.