Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer travel for many Montanans, but it’s also the beginning of what safety officials call the “100 Deadliest Days.” This is the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when traffic fatalities typically spike.
To help prevent impaired driving crashes, the Bozeman Police Department is increasing patrols over the long weekend. In coordination with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Belgrade Police Department, Montana State University Police Department, the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP), Gallatin County 911 and the Montana Department of Transportation’s Vision Zero initiative, Officers, Deputies and Troopers will be focused on stopping impaired drivers and keeping roads safe for everyone.
“While this weekend is about honoring and remembering, it also brings heavy traffic on our roads,” said Bozeman Police Patrol Captain Hal Richardson. “If you’re taking advantage of the long weekend, remember to be responsible. Arrange a sober ride so we can all make it home safely.”
Montana consistently ranks among the states with the highest percentage of traffic deaths caused by impaired driving. Law enforcement is urging everyone to help change that trend by planning ahead.
“Impaired driving remains one of the most avoidable risks we face,” Richardson said. “Planning your ride before you drink can be the difference between a safe night and a tragedy.”
Tips for Staying Safe This Weekend:
- Designate a Sober Driver: Choose someone in your group who will not be drinking.
- Find a Ride: If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi, use a rideshare app, or ask a sober friend for a ride.
- Be a Responsible Host: If you’re hosting, make sure your guests have safe ways to get home.
- Speak Up: Don’t let friends or loved ones drive impaired. Take their keys and help them get home safely.
- Buckle Up: Seatbelts are your best defense against impaired drivers.
- Report Dangerous Driving: If you see a suspected impaired driver, keep a safe distance and call 911.
For more information about Vision Zero, contact Tammy Ross, Montana Department of Transportation, 406-444-9192, or tross@mt.gov.
