Fatal Bus Accidents in Montana
In 2017 so far, 117 people have lost their lives on the Montana roads. For the same period in 2016, there were 115 fatalities. Of the individuals killed, there were 89 motorists, 17 motorcyclists, seven pedestrians and one bicyclist.
The situation in Montana hasn’t changed a lot over the past few years. In 2014, the state’s highway death rate was the third highest in the U.S. Improvement in the transportation infrastructure and regulatory changes will both be required to overcome the problem, non-profit organizations claim.
As far as bus transportation goes, Montana does have several statutes and requirements in regards to the safety of the passengers. This is one of the main reasons why bus transportation is classified among the safest options out there.
Fatal Bus Accident Statistics
Overall fatality numbers have gone down since 2006. In 2006, Montana had 263 fatalities, compared to 192 deaths in 2014 and 224 deaths in 2015. The number of serious injuries has gone down from 1,614 in 2006 to 965 in 2014 and 1,000 in 2015.
Bus crashes contribute to a relatively small number of deaths. Let’s take a look at the numbers in the following Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration report:
2015 | 2016 | 2017 | |
---|---|---|---|
Buses involved | 36 | 36 | 19 |
Number of Crashes | 36 | 36 | 19 |
Fatalities | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Injuries | 26 | 13 | 4 |
The numbers have remained unchanged in recent years. In 2013, Montana witnessed solely one fatal collision that caused the death of one person. During the coming year, there were no bus crashes that contributed to deaths.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the deadly bus collisions in 2011 were only two. They represent 0.7 percent of all the accidents that kill people on the road in the state. Only one person was killed in such a collision in 2012, which represents 0.4 percent of all deadly accidents.
Emphasis on Safety
It’s easy to understand why bus fatalities in the state are so low. In the period from 2011 to 2013, Montana has had a focus on large vehicle and bus safety. The aim of the program was to bring down the number of fatal collisions and accidents causing serious injuries.
As a part of the initiative, the state has carried out thorough roadside inspections. The aim of these was to ensure adherence to local statutes, especially regarding driver performance. Also, in 2013 alone, the work of 68 carriers underwent a thorough investigation.
Montana has relatively strong legal provisions aimed at increasing the safety of passengers. Brake performance requirements are set in place to ensure the proper operation of commercial and public transportation vehicles. Buses are also required by law to be equipped with warning devices.
State DOT requirements for transit vehicles are focused on the availability of an adequate maintenance program. Depending on specific changes in requirements, carriers will be required to ensure compliance and introduce the needed measures to guarantee the operational condition of their vehicles.
In addition, the DOT requirements emphasize pre-trip vehicle inspections. Annual vehicle examination by MDT staff is also a must.