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Helena - The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) would like to notify the public and seek comments on the draft 2016 Montana Rail Grade Separation Study (RGSS), an update to the 2003 RGSS commissioned to address changing conditions and assess highway-rail crossings at affected communities across the state. Since publication of the 2003 RGSS, several Montana communities have experienced growth in population, roadway traffic and train traffic, contributing to vehicle delays at at-grade railroad crossings. Both safety and delay issues at...
Helena – The Montana Department of Transportation and its law enforcement partners are reminding the public that minimum fines for DUI convictions doubled in 2015. The penalty for a first offense DUI is now $600 to $1,000 and up to six months of jail time. Additional fees, mandatory treatment, driver’s license reinstatement and other costs can total up to $10,000. “If you choose to drive after drinking, you are risking a high-cost increase in your holiday spending, not to mention the safety of yourself and others,” said Mike Tooley, Directo...
One of the deadliest crimes committed in Montana may also be the most preventable. In Big Sky Country, the number of fatal crashes involving impaired drivers using alcohol and/or drugs continues to be nearly the highest in the nation. In an effort to eliminate this trend of high-risk behavior, law enforcement agencies across the state are participating in a national crackdown targeting DUI offenders. The Montana Highway Patrol as well as city and county law enforcement agencies throughout the state are always on the lookout for drivers who...
One of the deadliest crimes committed in Montana may also be the most preventable. In Big Sky Country, the number of fatal crashes involving impaired drivers using alcohol and/or drugs continues to be nearly the highest in the nation. In an effort to eliminate this trend of high-risk behavior, law enforcement agencies across the state are participating in a national crackdown targeting DUI offenders. The Montana Highway Patrol as well as city and county law enforcement agencies throughout the state are always on the lookout for drivers who...
The Montana Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies around the state will be out in force over the long holiday weekend to aggressively target drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs. “Independence Day should be a family holiday,” said MHP District 1 Commander, Captain Jim Kitchin, “but this weekend has a history of DUI offenses.” Reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show the Fourth of July holiday period is particularly deadly on the nation’s roads. According to the latest data, nationall...
Almost 50 law enforcement agencies across the state are adding patrols for the “Click It, Don’t Risk It” high-intensity traffic enforcement period May 19 through June 1. Motorists throughout Montana should be aware of heightened enforcement. The national seat belt campaign is timed to reach motorists as the summer travel season begins around Memorial Day. Increased seat belt use is key to preventing crash deaths and injuries—especially among teens and young adults. People age 15 to 29 accounted for 40 percent of the severe injuries and 26 perc...
Each year, starting in April and running through September, the Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety program offers three levels of motorcycle rider courses throughout the state. This year, the program offered 145 classes and served 1,362 students at 10 locations. “These various classes teach motorcycle riders everything from basic riding techniques to more advanced riding skills,” said Jim Morrow, Director of the Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety program. Last year, 1,376 students completed courses. Morrow noted this year’s numbers are about the s...
Summer is coming to an end, but before fall arrives, people will be enjoying Labor Day weekend. It is a time to enjoy the last days of summer and travel to see Montana sights. The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) and local law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout for impaired drivers over Labor Day weekend. They will be stepping up patrols to keep everyone safe on the roadways. “Labor Day can be a dangerous time of year on the roadways,” said Colonel Kenton Hickethier, Chief Administrator of the Montana Highway Patrol. “All of us in law e...
Americans love to celebrate the Fourth of July with family, friends, food and fireworks, but too often alcohol turns the party into a tragedy, making this iconic holiday one of the most deadly times of the year on the nation’s roads. That’s why local law enforcement agencies, along with the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP), are stepping up their presence throughout the state to protect public safety by catching and arresting impaired drivers. In addition, law enforcement agencies are appealing to the public to do their part. Anyone who obs...
As of May 29, there have been six crashes and six fatalities involving motorcycles in Montana this year. These numbers represent 50 percent more deaths than in the same period in 2012. Montana has been experiencing an increase in motorcycle-involved crashes. Between 2011 and 2012, motorcycle crashes increased 47 percent. Fatalities in motorcycle crashes went up almost 43 percent. While not all crashes are preventable, motorcycle riders and vehicle drivers can take steps to ensure everyone is safe on the roadways. One of the easiest ways is for...
One of the biggest party days of the year brings fans together to enjoy the 47th Super Bowl game on Sunday, February 3. If you are among those who will be joining friends at a local bar or house party, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) advises care in planning a safe and sober ride home. The reminder from MDT also points out that serving alcohol in your home can make you liable if something happens such as personal injury or property damage caused by an intoxicated guest. And for your friends, the impact of a DUI arrest can last fo...
The end of a semester, a holiday party across town, bringing in a new year, all great reasons to celebrate this joyous season in Montana. But too often what should be an enjoyable night to remember on the way home becomes one that will never be forgotten. In Montana, December ranks as one of the deadliest months on Montana highways, and the Montana Department of Transportation is increasing outreach efforts throughout the holiday season to have Montanans to do their part to encourage safe and sober driving. In December 2011, the Montana...
