196 CRASHES IN
MONTANA
2023

The temporal patterns of fatal crashes showed some shifts year-over-year. Friday remained the peak day for fatal crashes in both periods, increasing from 39 in the prior period to 43 in the current period. The peak hour for fatal crashes shifted from 6 PM, which had 18 fatal crashes in the prior period, to 8 PM, which recorded 19 fatal crashes in the current period.

Fatal crashes occurring in clear weather increased from 96 in the prior period to 115 in the current period, while those in cloudy conditions saw a slight increase from 56 to 58. Fatal crashes in daylight decreased from 108 to 93, whereas fatal crashes occurring in dark, unlighted conditions increased from 58 to 72. Road surface conditions data was not available for comparison.

Among the top vehicle makes involved in fatal crashes, Ford saw a notable increase from 27 vehicles in the prior period to 43 in the current period, becoming the most frequently involved make. Chevrolet decreased from 42 to 38, while Dodge increased from 26 to 31. In terms of persons involved, the 0-15 age group saw an increase from 29 to 43 persons, and the 16-20 age group increased from 33 to 54 persons.

Fatal crashes occurring in higher speed zones remained prominent, with those at 70 mph increasing from 43 in the prior period to 50 in the current period. Crashes at 65 mph also increased from 40 to 44. Conversely, fatal crashes in the 80 mph speed zone decreased from 24 to 19.

The dominant manner of collision in both periods was 'The First Harmful Event was Not a Collision with a Motor Vehicle in Transport,' accounting for 128 fatal crashes (65.3%) in the current period, a decrease from 132 fatal crashes (71%) in the prior period. Angle collisions increased from 21 fatal crashes in the prior period to 34 in the current period. Front-to-front collisions remained stable at 21 fatal crashes in both periods.

Light Pickup vehicles were the most frequently involved body type in fatal crashes, increasing from 50 in the prior period to 84 in the current period. Compact Utility vehicles also saw an increase from 36 to 41. The involvement of Two Wheel Motorcycles slightly decreased from 34 to 32, and Large Trucks (Truck-tractors) decreased from 18 to 16.

Rural trafficways continued to account for the majority of fatal crashes, increasing from 144 in the prior period to 157 in the current period. This represents approximately 81.3% of fatal crashes in the current period (157 out of 193 total rural/urban crashes), indicating that rural roads carry a disproportionate share of fatalities. Urban fatal crashes decreased from 40 to 36.

In the current period, Other Principal Arterial roads accounted for 83 fatal crashes, a notable increase from 67 fatal crashes on Principal Arterial roads in the prior period. Interstate fatal crashes decreased from 32 to 23, and Minor Arterial fatal crashes also decreased from 37 to 31. Local roads maintained a consistent 21 fatal crashes in both periods.

State Highway Agencies continued to oversee the most roadways where fatal crashes occurred, with 147 fatal crashes in the current period, an increase from 130 in the prior period. Fatal crashes on roads owned by City or Municipal Highway Agencies decreased from 24 to 14. County Highway Agencies saw a slight increase from 21 to 24 fatal crashes.

Drivers were the most common person type involved in fatal crashes, increasing from 255 in the prior period to 279 in the current period. Passengers also saw a significant increase from 105 to 137. The number of pedestrians involved in fatal crashes increased from 19 to 22, while bicyclists decreased from 3 to 2.

While total fatalities decreased from 215 to 208, the number of persons sustaining serious injuries (A) increased from 42 to 51. Similarly, persons with minor injuries (B) increased from 47 to 69, and those with no injuries (O) increased from 69 to 95. Overall, the total number of injured persons (A, B, C, U) increased from 106 to 137.

The number of persons recorded as using 'None Used/Not Applicable' safety equipment in fatal crashes increased from 175 in the prior period to 195 in the current period. Concurrently, the number of persons using 'Shoulder and Lap Belt Used' also increased from 167 to 186. The significant share of 'None Used/Not Applicable' indicates a continued concern regarding safety restraint use.

The '12 Clock Point' (front of the vehicle) remained the dominant point of impact, increasing from 127 in the prior period to 137 in the current period. 'Non-Collision' incidents decreased from 44 to 40. Impacts at the '1 Clock Point' (front-right) increased from 16 to 25.

Single-vehicle fatal crashes remained the most frequent type, increasing from 121 in the prior period to 126 in the current period. Two-vehicle fatal crashes also increased from 55 to 59. Fatal crashes involving three vehicles increased from 7 to 9.