MONTANA, MT — Montana has moved into what the Montana Highway Patrol calls the “100 deadliest days of summer,” the stretch from Memorial Day to Labor Day when fatal crashes tend to climb. The warning comes as motorcycle traffic picks up and state officials push drivers and riders to stay alert.
Troopers, riders and safety instructors said the heavier flow of tourists, campers and motorcycles across Montana highways raises the risk for everyone on the road.
Why the risk rises
Law enforcement says several of the state’s deadliest crash factors continue to show up in summer driving: impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving and not wearing seat belts. Officials said those dangers become more acute when more people are traveling long distances on unfamiliar roads.
Montana Highway Patrol said the season’s travel patterns make the coming weeks some of the most dangerous of the year.
Motorcycles face greater danger
Troopers said motorcycle crashes often lead to worse injuries because riders do not have the protection of a passenger vehicle around them. Col. Kurt Sager said when a motorcycle goes down, the rider is usually hitting the ground directly, which can make even a lower-speed crash severe.
Sager also said Montana’s scenic routes and mountain roads attract riders from across the country, but unfamiliar terrain, wildlife and distracted drivers can quickly turn a ride hazardous.
What riders are seeing
Riders said one of the biggest problems is that drivers do not always notice motorcycles, especially at intersections and in blind spots. They said the danger grows when drivers are distracted or trying to move through traffic too quickly.
Rich Wilder urged both drivers and riders to keep their attention on the road, put phones away and stay aware of what others are doing. He said riders also have to ride defensively and assume others may not see them.
How safety instructors respond
Motorcycle safety instructors said newer riders may not realize how quickly conditions can change in Montana, where winter gravel can linger and wildlife can appear on mountain passes. Casey Redder said riders should constantly look for hazards, other road users and escape routes before they commit to a turn or curve.
Both instructors and troopers said the best protection is simple: slow down, stay alert, avoid impairment and wear proper gear. Riders were also encouraged to take certified safety courses before heading out for the season.
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