WYDOT's WY22 Safe Pass program sees initial growth ahead of seasonal trailer restriction

JACKSON, Wyo. - Since its launch on Oct. 1, the Wyoming Department of Transportation's WY22 Safe Pass program has seen rapid adoption, with officials optimistic about its long-term impact on driver behavior and mountain highway safety.

First announced in September, WY22 Safe Pass is a mandatory self-certification initiative designed to educate motorists on the unique and rigorous demands of driving over Teton Pass. The streamlined online process takes roughly 10 minutes to complete. It requires drivers to review essential safety materials - including instructional videos, route maps, and critical braking guidelines - before completing a series of safety acknowledgments.

The program specifically targets drivers operating recreational vehicles (RVs), any vehicle towing a trailer, and large vehicles or combinations weighing over 10,000 pounds. To date, more than 4,500 drivers have successfully completed the certification, drawing participants from 18 countries and 48 U.S. states.

"The variety of states and countries represented in the initial certifications is a promising sign that we are hitting our intended demographics with our signage, digital advertising and other outreach efforts," said Darin Westby, WYDOT Director. "I want to thank WYDOT staff, the Idaho Transportation Department, local governments on both sides of the state border, and the major GPS navigation apps for the incredible collaborative effort this fall to make this program such a success."

While WYDOT anticipates a minor dip in active certifications during the winter months due to upcoming travel restrictions to trailers, officials expect momentum to build again in the spring. Motorists are reminded that Teton Pass will be completely closed to all trailer traffic for the season starting November 15 through April 1. All other standard legal limits remain strictly enforced, including the pass's 60,000-pound weight restriction.

"WYDOT will continue to fine tune the program as we receive feedback from users and internal teams like the Highway Patrol," Westby said. "We appreciate the response we've received so far; this has truly been a grassroots, collaborative highway safety campaign and we are proud of the results we've seen in the last 30 days."

WYDOT emphasizes that safety on Teton Pass relies on every motorist doing their part. All drivers, regardless of vehicle type, are urged to practice safe winter driving habits:

• Buckle up and ensure all passengers are wearing seat belts.
• Reduce speeds and strictly obey all posted speed limits.
• Shift into a lower gear to maintain control when descending steep grades.
• Eliminate distractions by putting away cell phones and focusing entirely on the road.

Drivers interested in taking the self-certification course or learning more about the initiative can visit the official portal at https://safepass.wyoroad.info.

For alternative routes, contact any Department of Transportation Port of Entry or Permit Station. WYDOT would like to remind drivers to drive safely, put their phone down and obey all roadside signs and closures. Drivers can sign up for 511 Notify alerts at https://www.wyoroad.info/511/511NotifyAnnouncement.html.