Montana Drunk Driving Accident Statistics

Drunk driving is a serious problem across the country, leading to unnecessary accidents and fatalities. Unfortunately, there is only so much you can do to avoid accidents with drunk drivers.

Taking personal responsibility for making sure you are in a safe state while you drive won’t stop other people from making poor decisions. The question is, how bad is the situation, exactly? These Montana drunk driving accident statistics can give you an idea of what to expect.

What the Data Have to Say

In 2023, data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System indicated that Montana exceeded the national average for alcohol-impaired driver fatalities. The national average was 0.38, while Montana had a rate of 0.52 fatalities per million vehicle miles traveled.

In 2024, State Troopers investigated 10,132 total crashes in Big Sky Country and made 107,724 traffic stops. A total of 2,360 citations were issued for driving under the influence, and another 638 were issued for drugs. That year, Montana ranked worst in the nation by two metrics for drunk driving.

While information about the total number of car crashes caused by driving under the influence is not recorded by the state of Montana, these statistics give you an idea of what to expect when you get behind the wheel.

What Can You Do to Prevent a Drunk Driving Accident?

It is never okay to drive after you have been drinking alcohol. Even if you think you have not had too much, why take the risk? Remember, alcohol impairs judgment, and you might be more intoxicated than you realize. Even buzzed driving is drunk driving.

If you are going to drink alcohol, it is important that you do not get behind the wheel of a car. Make sure to have a designated driver who can stay sober and help you get home safely. If you believe a friend has been drinking, you can also do your part to prevent drunk driving by stopping them from getting behind the wheel.

There are also a few things you can do to protect yourself while you’re on the road. You can:

• Drive defensively. Defensive driving is always smart, but it’s particularly important late at night and during peak drinking holidays.
• Look for the signs. There are several signs you can look for that indicate other drivers on the road are drunk. Drunk drivers often brake erratically, weave across lanes, tailgate people, and drive without headlights. If you notice these signs, maintain a safe following distance and pull over to call 911 to report the drunk driver.
• Buckle up. Wearing a seatbelt won’t prevent you from getting into an accident with a drunk driver, but it could save your life in a worst-case scenario where a crash does occur.

Unfortunately, no amount of caution on the road is guaranteed to prevent drunk driving accidents. You should also learn what to do if you get into an accident with a drunk driver.

How Can a Lawyer Help After an Accident With a Drunk Driver?

An accident with a drunk driver can have devastating consequences. If you or a loved one suffered an injury in such an accident, it is essential to seek the help of a qualified drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible.

A skilled attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve. They can also work tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.

If you suffered an injury in a drunk driving car accident, do not hesitate to contact a qualified Montana and Oregon personal injury lawyer today. With their help, you can get the justice and compensation you deserve.

FAQs

Q: Does Montana Have the Most DUIs in the US?

A: Montana does not have the most DUIs in the US, most likely because it has a smaller population than many more populous states. However, it is ranked as the worst in the country for drunk driving fatalities according to two separate metrics, and thousands of people receive DUIs each year in Big Sky Country.

Q: Why Does Montana Have So Many DUIs?

A: There are many reasons Montana has so many DUIs. Much of the state is rural, which means that if people want to drink with others and do not have designated drivers to take them to bars or houses, they are more likely to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. People living in rural areas are also less likely to have access to services like Uber and Lyft, which many use to replace designated drivers in metropolitan areas.

Q: Is a DUI a Felony in Montana in 2026?

A: A DUI is not generally a felony in Montana in 2026. A first, second, or third DUI is considered a misdemeanor under MCA 61-8-1002. A DUI charge becomes a felony when one of two conditions is met: you are a repeat offender who has three or more DUI charges, or you cause an accident that results in serious bodily injury or death.

Q: What Is the New DUI Law in Montana?

A: The new DUI law in Montana is known as Bobby’s Law. Introduced by House Bill 267, Bobby’s Law introduces a mandatory three- to 30-year prison sentence and up to a $50,000 fine for drivers who kill someone while their blood alcohol content is double the legal limit. This sentencing also applies to anyone who kills someone while committing a DUI under drunk driving restrictions.

Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been in an accident involving a drunk driver, you can hire a drunk driving accident lawyer. Turn to Bliven Law Firm, P.C., for help. We’ve been practicing personal injury law for over 30 years. We know what it takes to leverage Montana drunk driving accident laws to get our clients the compensation they need and deserve. Let us assist you with filing your claim. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.