Can you spot the pattern?

This past week has been a deadly week on our roadways, and it didn't need to be. There have been many articles written about the crashes, and I believe there is a pattern in many of the statements about the crashes. Can you spot the pattern?

…not wearing a seatbelt was pronounced dead at the scene.

…overturned, the ejected driver was not wearing a seatbelt.

…the driver was ejected and pinned beneath the truck. (not wearing a seatbelt)

…one passenger who was not wearing her seatbelt was partially ejected and was pronounced dead at the scene (two others injured the driver not wearing a seatbelt, the 2nd passenger was restrained. --- possibly injured by the other un-restrained occupants)

…struck a tree head on, the driver, who was not wearing his seatbelt, died at the scene.

…the driver was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene, he was not wearing a seatbelt.

…The victim was not wearing his seatbelt.

and the one oddball statement

---they were not injured. Both were wearing seatbelts.

Montana has a vision. A vision of zero series injuries and zero deaths on our roadways. It's called Vision Zero.

Is it possible to accomplish this Vision? I would say yes. Look again at the numbers above? As of April 12, 2022, there were 35 lives lost on our roadways, 6 of which were pedestrians, and 1 was an ATV Rider. That means 28 were in a motor vehicle. Of those 28, imagine if 20 decided to drive 100% sober, and imagine if 19 decided to wear a seat belt? Folks...we could be at ZERO! (It's unknown if any pedestrian fatalities or ATV Rider fatalities involved alcohol or impairment.) To get there, WE NEED YOU! We need you to get to your destination safely. That can be done by:

1. Wearing your seatbelt 100% of the time and ensuring that all other occupants are properly restrained.

2. Ensuring that you are 100% sober if you are driving.

3. Ensuring that you drive 100% in control and free from distractions.

Additionally, its good to ensure that you always drive within the speed limit with respect to road and traffic conditions.

Please. Drive Safe Missoula