There are many things Montana drivers can do to reduce their risk of an accident. Avoiding drunk and distracted driving, not speeding and not driving when you are tired are all important safety measures you should take when driving.
Wearing a seatbelt is another safety habit that can prevent serious injuries or even fatalities in an accident. This was a factor in a recent accident involving three vehicles that occurred in Gallatin Gateway.
Driver lost control of vehicle
The Montana Highway Patrol reported that the fatal accident occurred on U.S. Highway 191 at mile marker 71 in rainy conditions. The driver of a vehicle heading northbound lost control of the vehicle and smashed into 2 other vehicles that were traveling southbound.
A 29-year-old woman who was not wearing a seatbelt was ejected from a vehicle and did not survive the crash, while others involved in the accident were transported to a local medical center for treatment of injuries.
The difference wearing a seat belt can make
This accident demonstrates the danger you face by not wearing a seat belt. While the driver of the vehicle that lost control in this accident may have been negligent, wearing a seat belt could have prevented a fatality.
Doing your part to stay safe on the road cannot prevent you from encountering negligent drivers. Every driver on Montana’s roads has a duty to drive safely, especially in rainy weather, when it is easier to lose control of your vehicle.
You have options after a car accident
Injuries from an accident caused by a negligent driver can come with a significant cost. High medical bills, lost time from work and pain and suffering are some of the potential effects victims of car accidents face.
A personal injury action can help you recover compensation for these losses, and if you have lost a loved one in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you could pursue a wrongful death action.