Too Many People Are Being Unintentionally Injured Or Killed In Crashes!

We can all share the roadways safely. Semis and trailers, farm equipment, pickups, cars, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians-by following a few simple rules and being courteous to others.

ALWAYS-ALWAYS BUCKLE YOUR SAFETY BELT WHEN IN A VEHICLE!

According to a recent study by Montana Department of Transportation, economic loss to Montana was estimated to be $662 million, which is an average of over $690 for every citizen in Montana (that’s $2,760 for a family of 4). The cost of traffic crashes is measured in wage loss, medical expense, insurance administration and property damage cost.

According to Montana DOT: On average, an unbelted occupant has a longer hospital stay, requires more intensive care and accrued significantly higher hospital charges at an expense of $52,993 for the average unbuckled occupant in comparison to $36,420 for the average buckled occupant. Nearly a quarter of 12th graders never or rarely wear a seat belt while driving. According to Montana Emergency Care: those injured pay for only 26% of the total healthcare cost, the remainder is paid by society. In a recent study, caring for unbelted patients cost over $36.7 million each year in direct inpatient health care cost. Montana spends $14 million in Medicaid and uncompensated care for unrestrained motor vehicle occupant inpatient hospital charges.

All drivers of vehicles:

Most Montana fatalities involve single vehicle rollovers and ejections.

According to Montana’s 2010 Injury Prevention Report: “43% of all unintentional deaths are due to motor vehicle crashes”. In most recent studies 23% of Montana crashes were due to inattentive driving, 21% were due to careless driving and 15% were due to failure to yield. 71% of adults report wearing their seatbelt. 64% of unrestrained vehicle occupants in Montana were ejected from their vehicle and killed. 72% of fatal crashes in rural areas involved only one vehicle – 22% involved 2 vehicles. Single vehicle run off the road crashes represent 56.3% of all fatalities.

Buckle up each time – Every time – NO Excuses & require your passengers to buckle up

Respect the space of other vehicles – the three second rule

Signal your intention ahead of time – every time

Remember large vehicles take more distance and time to slow down, stop or turn a corner

Remember farm equipment moves at a slower speed

Match your speed to the traffic and road conditions (not what time you need to be there)

Never drive distracted – i.e. texting, reading, eating, reaching for articles or taking your eyes off the road

For more information go to: http://www.mdt.mt.gov for more information on seat belt safety. If you are interested in making a difference in our community, contact Richland County Injury Prevention Coalition.