05/22/2026
“As we head into the Memorial Day holiday and the start of the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” I want to take a moment to remind everyone of the very real safety risks on our roads—both nationally and here in Montana.
Nationally:
In 2024, 11,904 people were killed in drunk‑driving crashes.
One-third of all traffic fatalities involved a drunk driver.
Despite impaired driving being illegal, one person was killed every 44 minutes in a drunk‑driving crash.
Males were more likely to be driving drunk in fatal crashes (22% of males vs. 16% of females).
Every 54 minutes, a passenger vehicle occupant not wearing a seat belt lost their life.
Memorial Day – National Data:
462 people were killed over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday.
38% of those fatalities involved drunk drivers.
Half of the people killed were unrestrained.
Montana:
Seventy‑five people were killed in drunk‑driving crashes in 2024.
More than one‑third of Montana traffic fatalities involved drunk drivers.
One person was killed every five days in a drunk‑driving crash.
Males again represented a larger share of drunk drivers in fatal crashes (25% vs. 21%).
One unrestrained passenger vehicle occupant died every five days on Montana roads.
Memorial Day – Montana:
From 2020–2024, six people were killed over the Memorial Day holiday.
In 2024, 35% of Montana’s traffic fatalities occurred during the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
These numbers are sobering, and they underscore why safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re traveling across the state or just across town this holiday weekend, please make safe choices—wear your seat belt, avoid distractions, and never drive impaired. Share and encourage your friends and family and co-workers to do the same.”
- This information was prepared by the Montana Department of Transportation and shared by Drive Safe Missoula.
