4 weeks without traffic fatalities a good start
Montana drivers urged to continue driving responsibly
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News from the Montana Department of Transportation
HELENA – As of March 28, it’s been a full month since anyone has died in a crash on Montana roads. There has not been a traffic fatality in the state since Feb. 26. This is great progress toward Vision Zero, but the Montana Department of Transportation officials urge drivers to continue to remain alert and drive responsibly.
“Four weeks without anyone dying in a crash is certainly encouraging, and we hope all Montanans are onboard to keep the momentum going,” said Mike Tooley, director of the Montana Department of Transportation. “Everyone who travels by motor vehicle, foot, and bicycle needs to be diligent about ensuring their safety and others on the road.”
Having a sober ride, always wearing a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle, wearing a motorcycle helmet and safety gear, following traffic laws, and giving full attention to driving, walking, or biking are key to preventing traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
On average, the number of crash fatalities in Montana was 8 percent lower in 2012-16 than it was in the previous five years. During the same time, the number of serious injuries in traffic crashes also fell by 14 percent.
“We are heading into the deadliest time of year on Montana roads. June through August is when more than half of all fatalities occur during a year,” Tooley continued. “MDT will do our part to help make the roads as safe as possible, but we need everyone to be smart and safe when traveling. Even one death or serious injury is too many.”
Engineering, education, emergency response and enforcement of traffic laws are all part of Montana’s strategy to reach Vision Zero — zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana roadways. For more information about Vision Zero, contact Charity Watt, Montana Department of Transportation, 406-444-3439, cwatt@mt.gov.
