Montana Highway Patrol 2007 Annual Report

NHTSA · 2008 · ROSA P / Montana. Highway Patrol Division

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Summary

The Montana Highway Patrol 2007 Annual Report documents traffic safety statistics, enforcement activities, and strategic planning for the state’s highway patrol division. The report serves as a statutory requirement to inform public, law enforcement, and legislative agencies about crash reduction needs and traffic safety trends. It outlines the division’s mission to reduce traffic fatalities through diligent enforcement of motor vehicle codes, criminal interdiction, and public education, guided by core values of service, integrity, and respect. The report compiles data from eight highway patrol districts across Montana, detailing operational metrics such as population served, officer counts, vehicle miles driven, and citations issued. In 2007, the patrol recorded 21,829 reported crashes, resulting in 276 fatalities in 249 fatal crashes, 9,846 injuries in 5,993 injury crashes, and 15,583 property damage-only crashes. Enforcement activities included issuing 78,975 arrest tickets and 103,396 warning tickets, with significant citations for speeding, seat belt violations, and driving under the influence (DUI). The patrol also recovered 58 stolen vehicles, served 1,410 warrants, and made 516 illegal drug arrests. Data analysis covers crash timing, location, and contributing factors, noting that crashes peaked between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., on Fridays, and in November, while fatal crashes were most frequent on Sundays and in July. Key findings indicate a slight increase in traffic incidents compared to the previous year, with deaths up 1.05%, injuries up 1.04%, and reported crashes up 1%. Seat belt usage rates remained relatively stable, with an overall usage rate of 79.6% across all roads. The report highlights specific enforcement priorities, including targeting suspended drivers, aggressive driving, and DUI offenses. It also details the implementation of new technologies, such as the SmartCop CAD/RMS system and hardened laptops in patrol vehicles, to improve trooper efficiency and data accuracy. Additionally, the patrol initiated a roving patrol unit funded by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grant to target high-crash corridors and conduct community outreach. The significance of the report lies in its comprehensive overview of Montana’s traffic safety landscape and the patrol’s strategic response. The division’s primary goal is the "Sixteen by Sixteen" initiative, aiming to reduce traffic fatalities by 16% by 2016, measured by vehicle miles traveled. The report underscores the importance of targeted enforcement, technological improvements, and personnel development in achieving safer highways. It also emphasizes the need for continued public education and legislative support, such as passing a primary seat belt law, to enhance traffic safety and reduce the burden of crashes on Montana’s communities.

Key finding

The Montana Highway Patrol investigated 21,829 crashes in 2007, resulting in 276 fatalities and 9,846 injuries, with enforcement activities including 78,975 arrest tickets and 103,396 warning tickets issued.

Methodology

dataset

Provenance

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Topics

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• incidence prevalence

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: crash risk outcomes