In 2023, Montana recorded approximately 200 traffic fatalities, according to the Montana Highway Patrol. About 34% of all traffic deaths involved alcohol-impaired driving and the state had a higher alcohol-related fatality rate than the U.S. average (approximately 0.52 vs. 0.38 per million vehicle miles traveled). An estimated 118 fatalities were linked to impaired driving. The majority of fatal crashes were single-vehicle roadway departure incidents, often involving rollovers, vehicles leaving the roadway, and lack of seat belt use. Overall, Montana continues to rank among the states with the highest traffic fatality rates per capita in the United States.
Passenger cars were the second most common vehicle type involved in crashes, appearing in 43 incidents and making up 21% of the total which is roughly one in five of all crashes recorded.
Motorcycles were involved in 29 crashes, comprising 14% of the total. This is a significant share that underscores the unique risks faced by riders navigating Montana's wide-open and often unpredictable roadways.
Light trucks and SUVs dominated Montana's crash statistics, accounting for 103 incidents and representing a commanding 50% of all crash-involved vehicles which reflects just how popular and prevalent these larger vehicles are across the state's vast roads and rural terrain.
Buses and public transportation vehicles were involved in just 1 crash, accounting for less than 1% of the total, an almost negligible figure that likely reflects the limited presence of mass transit infrastructure across much of Montana.
Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers appeared in just 3, making up 1% of the total, though their sheer size and weight mean that even a small number of incidents can carry serious and far-reaching consequences.
Pedestrians accounted for 20 of those involved in traffic crashes, representing 10% of the total. This serves as a striking reminder that some of the most vulnerable road users never have the protection of a vehicle around them.
is particularly dangerous due to heavy wildlife collisions and winding mountain sections.
sees a high number of single-vehicle fatal crashes, especially in remote areas with limited cell service.
records many fatal crashes linked to speeding and impaired driving, especially in rural regions.
has more fatal crashes than any other highway in Montana, with long emergency response times increasing risk.
is dangerous due to high elevation, sharp turns and sudden weather changes.
Single-vehicle fatal car accidents occur mostly on rural highways 191, 12, 93 and 2.
of fatal car accidents in Montana happen in rural areas.
Multiple-vehicle fatal car accidents occur on major roadways.
fatal car accidents in Montana happen in urban areas.
A car accident can be overwhelming and stressful, even if it's minor. Knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests. Here are five essential things to do after an accident:
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, it's important to get medical attention, as some symptoms may not appear right away. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic while waiting for help to arrive.
Always report the accident to the police. An official police report creates an objective record of what happened, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal matters. Cooperate with the officer, provide accurate information, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
If it's safe to do so, gather as much information as possible. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and attempt getting contact details from any witnesses in the area.
Even if you feel fine, consider seeing a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage can take hours or days to show symptoms.
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly and provide them with accurate details. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurers.
Your Sheep Needs a Chaperone in Montana - This law makes it illegal to transport a sheep in the cab of your truck unless it is accompanied by a human chaperone who is at least 18 years old. Apparently, a sheep riding solo in the passenger seat was enough of a public safety concern to warrant its own legislation. One can only wonder what incident inspired this law in the first place.
No Ice Pick Wheels — Ever - In the town of Whitehall, Montana, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with ice picks attached to the wheels as an alternative to studded tires. It sounds a bit outrageous, but apparently these medieval ice-pick wheels were a significant enough problem at one time that it warranted the creation of this law. This law aims to prevent drivers from damaging the roads, as ice picks can scratch and gouge the pavement, causing damage requiring expensive repairs.
No Lassoing Fish - You cannot catch a fish using a lasso in Montana. A rod and reel are required. The origins of this unusual law are a bit unclear, as it is hard to imagine that catching fish using a lasso is a very effective way of fishing. If you were hoping to channel your inner rodeo champion at the riverbank in Montana, you may want to reconsider.
No Throwing Things Across Streets in Helena - In Helena, it is illegal to throw objects across a street. This is a rule that was likely created to prevent accidents or property damage. It may sound overly cautious, but in a state with a colourful frontier history, one can imagine exactly the kind of chaos that made this rule necessary.
No Hunting from Airplanes - It is illegal to hunt from an airplane in Montana. While it may sound a bit ridiculous on the surface, this is an important law that was put in place to prevent hunters from using airplanes to spot game and then shoot them from above. This is a highly unethical, not to mention dangerous practice. At one point aerial hunting was apparently a real enough concern to need its own statute..
Shooting Whales from Your Car Is… - This is another one of those very strange laws that may have no purpose in a landlocked state like Montana. The law basically provides an exception for shooting whales from a moving vehicle. No one expects you to encounter a whale cruising down I-90, but rest assured, Montana's legal code is ready for the occasion.
Pool Tables Must Face the Street in Kalispell - In the city of Kalispell, pool tables must be visible from the street outside. This law likely dates back to regulations aimed at keeping an eye on gambling activity. Apparently, transparency, quite literally, was the best policy when it came to keeping games above board