BOZEMAN — The number of people killed on Montana's highways this year sits at 175, which is up 3.55% from last year.
The Montana Highway Patrol released their fatality crash report for 2019, which they say is a snapshot in time when considering long-term trends.
According to the report, alcohol, drugs and speed as factors in fatal crashes are all up from last year, but seat belt use has improved.
Highway deaths are up considerably in the Butte district, going from 14 fatalities in 2018 and 24 in 2019.
The Bozeman district dropped from 20 fatality crashes in 2018 to 13 in 2019.
“It’s hard to compare one district against another and say oh, fatalities are dropping here. They’re raising here. These are all Montana. We look at the entire state,” said Sgt. Patrick McCarthy.
“We try to identify trends in our own area to try and determine where we should be working and not working and try to you know hit those problem areas more,” said Sgt. McCarthy.
Click here to view the full Montana Highway Patrol Fatality Crash Information Report.
