MHP report: Flathead third in fatal crashes last year

Flathead County posted the third highest number of fatal crashes in 2012, according to the Montana Highway Patrol’s annual report.

There were 11 fatal crashes in Flathead County in 2012, two less than in 2011 and less than half as many as in 2006-2008. Yellowstone County posted the most fatal crashes in 2012 at 18, and Gallatin County came in second with 12.

The average number of fatal crashes in the Flathead since 1965 is a little more than 17. The average between 2003 and 2012, with much a higher population in the county, is just under 19.

A total of 192 fatal crashes were reported in Montana in 2012, with 205 fatalities. While fatalities were down nearly 2 percent and the number of crashes was up 1.6 percent, crash injuries were up 11 percent.

MHP’s annual report breaks down crash statistics by numerous factors. To summarize, most fatal crashes occur on a Saturday or Friday in June, July and August between 2 and 3 a.m. on dry pavement in clear weather.

Most nonfatal crashes occur on a Thursday or Wednesday in December or November between 5 and 6 p.m. also on dry pavement in clear weather. Fifty-six percent of drivers in all crashes were women.

The top two contributing factors for fatal crashes are drivers under the influence of alcohol and drivers under the influence of drugs. Alcohol was present in 26 percent of fatal crashes, drugs were present in 11 percent, and both were present in 12 percent.

The top four contributing factors for all crashes are inattentive drivers, driving too fast for conditions, failing to yield the right of way, and driving in an erratic, reckless or negligent manner.

Use of cell phones or another electronic communication device, which MHP recently began tracking, did not account for many fatal or other crashes compared to other driver-related contributing circumstances.

MHP reported 2,757 citations statewide for DUI per se in 2012, a 26 percent increase over the previous year. They also reported 958 drug arrests in 2012, a 10 percent increase over the previous year and a 74 percent increase over 2007.

There were 449 motorcycle crashes recorded statewide in 2012, including 28 fatal crashes that killed 30 people. Alcohol was a factor in eight fatal crashes, and both alcohol and drugs were present in one. Neither alcohol nor drugs were present in half the fatal motorcycle crashes.