Summertime in the Flathead Valley

Each year, summertime in the Flathead Valley draws millions of people from all over the world. It is not only the unparalleled beauty and grandeur of Glacier National Park that people come in droves to witness and experience, but also the small town charm of the nearby mountain towns like Bigfork, Whitefish, Lakeside, Polson, and our own Kalispell.

Kalispell has no shortage of summertime festivities. Thursday! Fest, Picnic in the Park, the Northwest Montana and OregonFair and Rodeo, Arts in the Park, and farmers markets are just a handful of family-friendly activities tourists and residents alike look forward to attending. All of these events have one thing in common: They are a place to gather with family, friends, and neighbors to try new foods and sip on cold drinks while most likely listening to fantastic music by talented local artists.

More often than not, those attending these events will have a wonderful time and return home with full bellies, lighter wallets, and fond memories. Sadly, that is not always the case. Earlier this week, a Georgia couple were nearly fatally injured when an alleged drunk driver sped through heavy traffic and struck them with his car on a sunny evening on the main road in nearby Whitefish, Montana. The male victim was impaled on a willow tree branch 15 feet off the ground and his wife was found on the ground below the tree. They are both very fortunate to be alive, and it is incredible that the drunk driver injured only 2 people. The story could be much worse.

ALLEGED DRUNK DRIVER HITS 2 PEDESTRIANS IN DOWNTOWN WHITEFISH

Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. There is a dark side to the social entertainment the Valley and any town in America has to offer. Our quiet mountain towns become more populated and where there are more people, there are generally more negligent and careless people, and as a result, there are generally more accidents. Whether you are a visitor or a resident, is important to be aware of your surroundings and practice caution when you are enjoying time out in any one of the Valley’s towns.

• Simple precautions can make a big difference.
• Know your surroundings.
• When you cross the street, look both ways and then look both ways again. There are more people drinking and driving in the summertime months and you are more likely to see them than they are to see you.
• Do not walk off of sidewalks and stay on the streets.
• Wear reflective clothing if you are walking after dark.
• Drink responsibly and do not ever get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you even suspect you may have had too many drinks. Uber operates in the Flathead Valley.
• Keep your children nearby, hold their hands, and don’t let them walk nearest the street while walking on the sidewalk.

Vacations and excursions out and about should never end in disaster or months or years of treatment for injuries. Obeying the rules of the road, both as a driver or as a pedestrian, and paying careful attention to your surroundings can make all the difference.