Wyoming Roads Deadliest in U.S. in 2009

A national survey says Wyoming led the nation with the highest number of traffic deaths per capita in 2009.

The study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says Wyoming had 24.6 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2009 based on a total of 134 deaths on state roads.

The study shows that rural roads in rural states had higher rates of deaths than urban areas like Washington, D.C. and New York.

Sgt. Stephen Townsend of the Wyoming Highway Patrol says accidents in the state can become serious quickly due to its rural nature because emergency services can be far away from where the accident happens.

In addition, he tells the Wyoming Tribune Eagle that Wyoming has the lowest seat belt use in the nation.