The Real Reasons Montana Roads Rank Among America’s Most Dangerous

Driving in Montana can be a risky venture. Not only do you have to take into consideration road conditions and the weather, but you also need to be aware of other drivers—just like anywhere else that has roads.

Montana’s Missing Distracted Driving Law

Several factors make driving in Montana more dangerous than in many other places. One is that Montana doesn’t have distracted driving laws like almost every other state in the country.

READ MORE: Popular Montana Driving Habit Is One of the Most Dangerous

On top of that, drivers here have a higher tendency to drink and drive compared to drivers in other states. We’re also one of the most dangerous states for teen drivers.

Long, Open Highways Encourage Speeding

Montana has some of the most hazardous stretches of highway in the nation. With our wide-open spaces and long stretches of highway, it can be tempting to “put the pedal to the metal” and go over the posted speed limit.

Speeding Fines Among the Nation’s Lowest

Speeding in Montana is a risky business—but getting caught won’t hit your wallet nearly as hard as it might elsewhere. According to Finance Buzz, speeding tickets here may only cost you $40, among the lowest fines in the country. The only state with a lower fine is New Mexico, where it can cost as little as $25.

Of course, those amounts don’t include court costs or any additional charges.

READ MORE: The Truth About How Bad Montana Drivers Really Are

Could Higher Fines Save Lives?

If Montana were to raise the cost of speeding infractions, it might serve as a deterrent—helping slow down dangerous drivers and moving us closer to our Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities.