Montana Drivers Face Summer Crash Risks During "100 Deadliest Days Of Summer".

Bozeman community member Sable Grossenbacher has lived in Bozeman for her entire life. She says the added traffic makes the area feel more hectic.  

“I feel like people are so rushed to get to Yellowstone or to Big Sky or wherever they're going that they're just not really paying attention to the people who are around them and are just trying to get to where they need to go as fast as possible,” said Grossenbacher.  

Officials say more vehicles and faster-moving traffic can raise the risk of crashes during the summer period.  

They also point to seat belt use as a major concern. More than half of the deaths recorded through July 21st, 2026, involved people who were not wearing seat belts, according to the report.  

“That’s one of those things where, as a law enforcement officer, you see those kinds of things all the time and obviously it’s difficult but you have a job to do and we have to do the job as best as we can and basically you know, kind of keep our emotions in check,” said Bozeman Police Officer Thomas Giermek.  

Since Memorial Day, Montana Highway Patrol reported nearly two dozen deadly crashes on Montana highways. The Bozeman Fire Department also says this summer is currently on pace to bring more crash deaths during this 100-day stretch than last summer. However, with the 100 deadliest days still ongoing, Bozeman Fire says final numbers on traffic deaths won't be finalized at this time. 

In 2025, Montana Highway Patrol reported 113 fatal car crashes, compared to 91 so far in 2026. 

“It’s still a little early to tell just based on our numbers for this summer; we’re only about two-thirds of the way through the summer. But we are trending towards seeing more calls than we have from last summer and I imagine that trend will continue through August and we’ll end up running more responses than we have in summer's past,” said James Short.  

Bozeman police and fire crews are reminding drivers to wear a seat belt and stay sober behind the wheel. They say those steps remain the best ways to stay safe on Montana roads.