News

Aug 12, 2023

Sgt. Jay Nelson on Car Fatalities

(Havre) – With the over 96 car crash fatalities this year for the state of Montana as has been reported by the Department of Transport, the New Media Broadcasters talked with Montana State Patrol

(Havre) – With the over 96 car crash fatalities this year for the state of Montana as has been reported by the Department of Transport, the New Media Broadcasters talked with Montana State Patrol Special Operations Officer Sgt. Jay Nelson about what the main factor for these crashes is.

“You know the biggest deciding factor in this increase in fatalities when we look at the statistics have been speed. We are seeing right now about a 60% increase over the last three years in speed related fatalities, and so that’s our biggest mitigating factor that’s out there with the increase in fatalities statewide. And really just asking people to slow down.”

He went on to talk about the other factors that contribute to the rise in car crash fatalities.

“You know you look at some of the other factors that are out there, you know the big one that comes to mind right now is alcohol. We look at drugs as well but that’s been what we call a flat line there’s been no real change in the last three years but alcohol we’re up 25% in fatalities Statewide over the last three years. And so really understanding that if you had a few to drink, don’t get behind the wheel. Don’t get behind the wheel if you’re intoxicated because, again, one fatality is just too many.”

Sgt. Jay Nelson also talked about way to help prevent speed- based car crash fatalities.

“Yeah, you know, I guess the biggest thing is obviously enforcement. There’s not any of us including myself that are driving down the road and see an officer from whatever agency and immediately we probably tap the break or we look down at our speedometer. And so you know trying to have more officers out on the road I think is definitely a factor and then what we’re doing right here just really talking to your viewers and reminding them is so important. That one fatality is too many especially when it affects your family your friends and reminding people to slow down and not having to go that maximum speed they see on the sign you don’t have to go that speed.”

He continued by saying that the best speed to drive sometimes is under the speed limit.

“What we try to tell people statewide is this that when they see that speed limit sign that famous black and white sign with the number that is the maximum speed for the most ideal condition. When we start adding in more traffic, when we start adding in roadway conditions, weather conditions, even the experience of the driver or the vehicle itself, we have to lower that speed. Many times, drivers think that’s the speed they have to go on that stretch of the roadway when truly it’s the opposite that it’s the maximum speed for the most ideal conditions. So, really slowing down and especially in your viewer area where we have the greatest increase in fatalities is on our primary roads.”