Fatal crash has lesson for us all
The death of 16-year-old Tabitha Migwi in a collision on Montana 40 saddened our whole community. It should also be a reminder that we are all vulnerable when we are driving.
No one will ever know what was in Tabitha’s mind when she pulled in front of a logging truck on Monday afternoon, but the rest of us need to learn that every split-second decision is crucial when you are behind the wheel.
Many of us — perhaps all of us — have been guilty of trying to pull onto the highway ahead of an oncoming vehicle when it would be more prudent to wait. That is especially true when the oncoming vehicle is a large truck. A gravel truck, cement truck or logging truck is carrying tons of extra weight, and can’t be stopped quickly.
Young drivers especially, who lack the experience to know better, may mistakenly think that a truck handles the same way as a small car, but it doesn’t. You are always better off to let a large truck pass by before you enter onto the highway.
We hope that Tabitha’s tragic death will serve to alert other drivers to the danger they could face in a similar situation.
Recount needed in 911 vote
It’s not very often in Flathead County when the success or failure of a ballot issue comes down to just 11 votes. That’s the case, though, with the proposed special emergency communications district to provide ongoing funding for the 911 consolidated dispatch center.
The ballot measure was 71 votes shy of winning following the Nov. 4 general election, but after about 200 provisional ballots were counted on Monday, 15,201 votes were cast in favor of the funding district, while 15,212 votes were against it.
County Administrator Mike Pence said he’ll recommend a recount, and the county commissioners will decide whether or not to go the extra step. We encourage a recount.
What’s at stake is $1.8 million in funding annually to ensure our 911 center can continue to provide top-notch emergency service. In any race where there’s such a razor-thin margin, it makes sense to follow through with due diligence to make sure the will of the voters is accurately heard.
Editorials represent the majority opinion of the Daily Inter Lake’s editorial board.