Montana Driving Statistics You Should Know

When you live in a state that is as beautiful as Montana, it’s great to be able to get in the car and go explore all of the gorgeous scenery. Unfortunately, many people take traffic safety for granted, and often they forget to implement even the most basic safety practices. In today’s post, we will provide you with a few statistics about driving in Montana, as well as a few safety tips that you should keep in mind the next time you take your vehicle on the road.

MVD Express may be your one-stop shop for all of the motor vehicle services you need, but we also care about the safety of all Montana residents on the road. We strive to provide you with all of the information you need to make smart decisions when you get behind the wheel. If you have any questions or you would like to learn more about the motor vehicle services we offer, visit MVD Express in Billings today.

Montana Driving Statistics

The state of Montana has a reputation for being one of the worst states as far as driving fatalities are concerned. Below we’ve compiled a few of the more shocking statistics collected from a 2017 report completed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

• In 2017, 186 traffic fatalities were reported in the state of Montana. Those fatalities make up .5% of the national average.
• 30% of the fatalities in 2017 were caused by drivers who were impaired by alcohol.
• 140 of the reported fatalities in 2017 involved passengers who were ages 5 and older. Only 37% of those passengers were wearing their seat belts.
• With the current seatbelt usage, 71 passengers’ lives were saved. If 100% of Montana residents were to use their seat belts, it could save as many as 33 additional lives.

Protect Yourself In Your Vehicle

The statistics speak for themselves when it comes to traffic fatalities, yet many Montana residents refuse to comply with even the most basic safety rule — wearing a seat belt. However, wearing a seat belt isn’t the only thing you can do to prevent injuries and fatalities when you are are the passenger or driver of a vehicle.

Wear a Seat Belt

Regardless of whether or not you are driving or a passenger of a vehicle, it’s vital that you wear your seat belt when you are on the road. Many passengers are under the impression that they can forego their seat belts if they are in the back seat of a vehicle, but if you were to get into an accident, you could potentially suffer major or even fatal injuries. A seat belt will help hold you in place, and most people will agree that the injuries you may sustain from a seat belt are much more manageable than injuries you could receive if you weren’t restrained in an accident.

Never Drink and Drive

Many towns throughout Montana have a decent brewery scene, and on a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than getting a cold, locally brewed beer with some of your best friends. However, whether you’re at a brewery, a friend’s house, or another local watering hole, it’s important to be safe and never drink and drive. In today’s society, there are numerous ways in which you can get home safely without having to drive under the influence of alcohol. In fact, some breweries and bars will even give drivers a discount if they choose to leave their car overnight and find a safer alternative.

Learn More at MVD Express

These are just a couple of safety tips that you should keep in mind all year long. At MVD Express, we care about the safety of our Montana residents, and we encourage everyone to drive safely. If you are looking for more information or you would like to inquire about our motor vehicle services, give us a call or stop by our location in Billings!

We look forward to seeing you at MVD Express. Drive safe!