Montana Officials Launch Summer Traffic Safety Campaign as ‘100 Deadliest Days’ Begin

HELENA, MT — Attorney General Austin Knudsen and the Montana Highway Patrol are ramping up traffic enforcement efforts as Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” a period when fatal crashes historically spike across the state.

The initiative comes as Montana maintains steady traffic fatality numbers compared to last year, with 65 deaths recorded from January 1 through May 21 — nearly matching the 66 fatalities during the same period in 2024. However, officials emphasize that the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day consistently see the highest number of fatal crashes annually.

Despite overall fatality numbers remaining level, preliminary data shows encouraging trends in some categories. Alcohol-involved traffic fatalities have dropped nearly 30 percent from last year, while fatalities where speed was a contributing factor have decreased by 35 percent.

“Together, we can ensure everyone can enjoy the summer with their friends and families. Please, be safe on the road this summer,” Attorney General Knudsen said. “Never get behind the wheel intoxicated, follow the speed limit, and always buckle up. It could save your life or the lives of others on the road.”

The Montana Highway Patrol plans to increase trooper presence on roads and highways throughout the summer months, with particular focus on detecting and deterring impaired drivers.

“You can expect to see more troopers over this holiday weekend and throughout the summer as we work to keep Montana’s roads and highways safe,” MHP Colonel Kurt Sager said. “Too often we see tragic situations because of people not following traffic laws. Have fun this summer, but please be responsible behind the wheel.”

Officials outlined three key safety measures for drivers during the high-risk summer period:

• Speed control: Drive at or below posted speed limits, which represent maximum safe speeds under ideal conditions. Reduce speed during heavy traffic, poor road conditions, or inclement weather.
• Impairment prevention: Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which significantly impairs motor vehicle operation and can devastate multiple lives.
• Seatbelt use: Consistently wear seatbelts, which officials describe as “the cheapest life insurance there is.”

The “100 Deadliest Days” campaign targets the Memorial Day through Labor Day period when increased travel, recreational activities, and summer celebrations contribute to higher traffic volumes and crash rates. The enhanced enforcement effort aims to reduce preventable fatalities through increased visibility and strict adherence to traffic safety laws.

While Montana has seen improvements in alcohol and speed-related fatalities this year, officials stress that any traffic death represents a preventable tragedy affecting families and communities statewide.

“Have fun this summer, but please be responsible behind the wheel,” Sager said.