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Back to all postsThe end of the year and the holidays are a time when many people are traveling. Whether that’s long distance or just across town there are many people on the roads. Due to this being a festive time of year it means many people celebrate with alcohol and other substances. Unfortunately, people disregard the risks of impaired driving. These substances impair decision making, cognizance, and reaction time, a very dangerous state to be in behind the wheel. Impaired driving makes car accidents much more likely. Injuries from these collisions can be very severe or even fatal.
Montana Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides state by state statistics on collisions caused by alcohol impaired driving. In 2023, there were 85 fatalities resulting from accidents where the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.01+. This is about 41% of the total 208 fatalities in 2023 car accidents. However, 71 out of the 85 were a result of a BAC of 0.08+.
It is important to note the difference between alcohol impaired and alcohol involved accidents. Based on the NHTSA data, a BAC of 0.01-0.07 is considered alcohol involved while 0.08+ is alcohol impaired. Montana Code Annotated § 61-8-1002 provides the guideline to what is considered driving under the influence:
- Operating a noncommercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 or more.
- Operating a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04 or more.
- Operating a noncommercial or commercial vehicle with a tetrahydrocannabinol level of 5ng/ml or more.
- Operating any vehicle while under the age of 21 with a BAC of 0.02 or more.
The NHTSA data dashboard also shows, by percentage, what amount of fatalities from alcohol impaired driving happen in each month. The month with the highest percentage is July at 14% while January and February are the lowest with 4%. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be less careful during certain months.
Things to Keep in Mind
Being involved in a car accident in Montana can be very stressful. Which is why it is important that you know what to do if it happens to you. See our previous blog post, “Navigating the Aftermath of a Car Accident” for more in depth information.
However, if you notice that the other driver involved is drunk or high, be sure to let emergency responders know. This can impact how they handle the investigation and what medical care is needed.
Due to the impaired judgment of someone under the influence, collisions can be more severe. Slowed response time or a lack of awareness can lead to more severe injuries, death, more intense collisions overall. The winter weather makes collisions much more common as well. Our prior blog “Snowy Roads Ahead: What Every Driver Needs to Know” can help prepare you for this as well. Personal injury claims arising out of car collisions like these can be very complex. Having an experienced personal injury attorney in Montana can make a very large impact.
Impaired Driving is Reckless Driving
As we approach the holiday season, a time of celebration, please make safe driving decisions. Please consider the following:
- Make arrangements for someone to take you home if you have been drinking.
- Help others get home safely if they are impaired.
- Be attentive on the roads for reckless drivers.
- Be cognizant of road conditions when driving.
Driving while impaired can lead to severe injuries and even death. This does not only apply to you but to others on the roads. It is important that everyone makes good decisions regarding driving when drunk or otherwise impaired.
Stay safe on the roads whether it’s winter or summer. Prevent any and all impaired driving from substances. Contact Rasmusson Law Offices, PLLC for a free consultation in you have been involved in a car accident. Call 406-549-3323 today.