Fatal crashes rose in 2011

The number of fatal crashes in Flathead County rose in 2011 but remained in a historically low range.

According to annual numbers recently released by the Montana Highway Patrol, there were 13 fatal crashes in the county last year, up from nine in 2010. Prior to that year, the last time there were fewer than 13 fatal crashes was in 1999, when there were 12.

Fatal crashes in Flathead County have only been below 13 in six out of the past 30 years.

The highest number of recorded fatal crashes in a year since 1935 was reached in 2006, with a total of 30 fatal crashes.

There were a total of 1,612 crashes in Flathead County last year, with 444 of them resulting in injury and 1,155 resulting in damage to property.

Troopers responded to 4,527 calls for service and performed 8,781 traffic stops, resulting in 11,929 warnings and 7,855 citations.

Statewide, 209 people were killed in 187 crashes, a more than 10 percent increase in fatalities over 2010 and averaging one fatality every 42 hours. Injury accidents were down 1.4 percent, with 6,720 injuries incurred in 4,962 crashes.

More fatal crashes happened between 8 and 9 p.m. than any other time of the day, on Saturday than any other day and in August than any other month.

Seat belt use continued to decline, dropping from 79.3 percent in 2008 to 76.9 percent in 2011.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at jdavis@dailyinterlake.com.