HELENA — The "100 deadliest days of summer" are now behind us, but this year, more people lost their lives on Montana's roads than last year. Law enforcement officials are now looking at what is putting drivers at risk and what needs to change.
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"It would be nice if it was zero," said Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton.
This summer, Montana saw 66 fatalities. That's up 22 percent from the 54 fatalities last year, according to the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP).
The numbers were heaviest in two districts. District 3, which covers the Helena and Butte area, saw 18 fatal crashes — up from 16 last year. District 6 in the Kalispell area saw 29 fatalities — up from 18 the year before. In Lewis and Clark County alone, four people died, which is roughly the same as last year.
As for what’s driving the increase, troopers point to a familiar list.
"A lot of that breakdown for those fatal crashes, they are gonna be impaired driving, seatbelts as well, and also a big factor is speed," said MHP Trooper Emilie Maes.
Montana is a popular tourist destination, and nearly 28% of drivers involved in fatal crashes were from out of state.
Maes noted that impatience behind the wheel is a recurring problem on Montana's highways, especially in construction zones.
"Usually we see a lot of drivers ignoring the posted speed limit that we have," Maes said. "They usually get sick and tired of going that slower speed so they do speed up."
To combat the problem, MHP expanded its presence on the roads this summer.
"We did have a bigger highway presence," Maes explained. "Especially when people see our lights on the roadway, just spreading out our wingspan and putting troopers on different roadways that we haven’t been on before."
The danger on Montana's roads doesn't end with summer. As fall sets in, law enforcement warns of new hazards: earlier sunsets mean more driving in the dark, wildlife sightings increase, and snow and ice are on the way.
"Let's drive careful all the time," Dutton said. "Let’s just not be the 100 deadliest days. Let's start practicing now to have a great summer next time, but start now."
MHP says the best way to bring these numbers down next summer is simple: slow down, buckle up, and keep your eyes on the road.
