The issue
The Teton Pass / Highway 22 has been the site of many vehicle accidents. Since its opening in 1969, there have been 34 fatalities. The five-year period from 2016 to 2020 saw eight fatal crashes, 60 injury crashes, 78 intersection-related crashes, and 244 property-damage-only crashes — an average of 62 crashes each year. According to WYDOT, accidents in this area have increased by 20% over the last five years alone. These incidents form a pattern that supports the claim that Teton Pass Highway is unusually dangerous and in need of changes to improve its safety.
Teton Pass Highway Safety
Two hundred people showed up for the Teton Pass Highway Safety Meeting at the Old Wilson Schoolhouse on August 3rd — residents and business owners from Idaho and Wyoming, Wyoming state senators and representatives, the Mayor of Driggs, county commissioners from both Teton counties, staff from WYDOT and ITD, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Teton County Sheriff's Office, and trucking company owners. A standing-room-only crowd came ready to change how the Teton Pass highway looks and how it operates.
Where we are now:
- A steering committee has formed. Organized under the name "Make Teton Pass Safer", its members are Nate Carey, Ellen Fales, Ryan Freeman, Gary Kofinas, Corey Milligan, Brian Moore, Randy Roberts and Jared Smith. Many others have offered to support the mission, adding to our capacity to solve a complex problem.
- The two state DOTs are working together. WYDOT and ITD are coordinating with Teton County, Wyoming and our committee on solutions that include enhanced signage and messaging from eastern Idaho to Hoback, Wyoming.
- Our elected officials are engaged. We have met with U.S. Senator John Barrasso, Wyoming Senate Minority Leader Mike Gierau, Wyoming Representative Liz Storer, Wyoming Representative Andrew Byron, and Idaho Representative Veile. Their engagement will inform the drafting of new legislation as we head toward the January 2027 session.
- The trucking industry is acting on its own. Leaders of local and regional trucking and shipping operations are contacting large regional carriers directly. They are working on geofencing Teton Pass with GPS warnings and "know before you go" alerts to their drivers.
- Committee members are putting ideas on the table. Members of our committee are drafting concepts for discussion. One solution looks at how driver preparation, vehicle condition and clearer information can work together to keep Teton Pass open to the commercial traffic, while lowering risk for everyone using the road.
- Apple is looking at navigation alerts. Apple has told us it will try to add Teton Pass alerts to its mapping app. That action matters because the drivers we most need to reach — RVs, rental trucks, and vehicles towing trailers — are often following a screen rather than a sign. We are working to clearly communicate that the 10% grades on Teton Pass are serious, and that a safer alternative exists through the Snake River Canyon.
- New signs went up west of Wilson. Thank you, WYDOT. This is a first step, and we are grateful for your quick action.
We are a coalition with a common goal, working across state and county lines for the good of the greater Teton community. Six weeks ago, none of this was true.
Sign the petition
Join your neighbors in calling for concrete safety improvements on Highway 22. The petition is hosted on Change.org — signing takes about a minute. Making a contribution to Change.org is not required to sign the petition.
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How you can help
- Write your state legislators. This is the single most helpful thing you can do right now. There is hard work ahead in Cheyenne and in Boise. Ask them to support policies and funding for permanent variable message signs and radio advisory stations at each decision point — so that RVs, trucks and vehicles towing trailers can be directed to the safer Snake River Canyon route before they start the climb. Keep it short: a personal note or a phone call about your own experience on Teton Pass carries far more weight than a form letter.
- Send us your ideas and observations. If you have had a close call, seen a runaway vehicle, or have an idea worth exploring, tell us: highwaysafety@tetonpass.org
- Spread the word. Tell people to sign up here so they stay informed and show up when it counts.
- Be the driver you want to see on Teton Pass. Share in the social contract of safety on Teton Pass. Shift into low gear on the descent. Don't ride your brakes. Go slowly. Be patient. Leave time to get where you are going. Pass this along to your friends, family and employees.
Background & documents on Teton Pass highway safety
- Runaway Vehicles on Teton Pass (WYO 22): Framing the Problem and Defining a Universe of OptionsJared Smith, P.E. (ret.) · the fuller options paper behind the briefing, with sources attributed (PDF)
- Audio of the August 3, 2026 meeting on Teton Pass highway safety at the Old Wilson SchoolhouseRecording courtesy of Jackson Hole's KHOL Community Radio.
- Teton Pass Corridor Study Report (2024)Federal Highway Administration (PDF)
Recent media coverage
- Community to talk Teton Pass safety tonightKHOL 89.1
- Has Teton Pass reached a tipping point?WyoFile
- Common Ground: Teton Pass can be safer for allJackson Hole News&Guide · Paul Hansen
- Lawmakers plan to bring back bills to make Teton Pass saferJackson Hole News&Guide
- Teton Pass crash galvanizes safety pushJackson Hole News&Guide
- Residents demand safer Teton Pass after fatal wreckCowboy State Daily
- Teton Pass safety meeting draws local figures; residents express fears, ideasBuckrail
- Community members set up Pass safety meeting: 'Tell me the cost of a human life'Buckrail
- Community unites to seek solutions to Teton Pass trafficTeton Valley News
- Talks for safety on Teton Pass reignitedTeton Valley News
- Teton County community members discuss Teton Pass safetyLocalNews8 / KIFI