Fatal crashes in Montana
In 2024, 206 people died in 193 fatal crashes on Montana roads, 1.0% fewer than in 2023. That is about 1 death a day, and 0.5% of all road deaths in the United States.
Montana ranks 40th of 51 by road deaths in 2024, and 7th by deaths per resident. Every state in 2024.
Road deaths in Montana since 1975
Road deaths in Montana peaked in 1981 at 338; 2024's 206 is 39% below that. The lowest year was 1989 with 181. Against 2000, 2024 is 13% below. Against 1975, 29% below.
| Year | Deaths | Fatal crashes | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 206 | 193 | -1.0% |
| 2023 | 208 | 196 | -3.3% |
| 2022 | 215 | 186 | -10.0% |
| 2021 | 239 | 222 | 12.2% |
| 2020 | 213 | 190 | 15.8% |
| 2019 | 184 | 166 | 1.7% |
| 2018 | 181 | 167 | -2.7% |
| 2017 | 186 | 169 | -2.1% |
| 2016 | 190 | 171 | -15.2% |
| 2015 | 224 | 204 | 16.7% |
Show 1975 to 2014
| Year | Deaths | Fatal crashes | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 192 | 176 | -16.2% |
| 2013 | 229 | 203 | 11.7% |
| 2012 | 205 | 192 | -1.9% |
| 2011 | 209 | 187 | 10.6% |
| 2010 | 189 | 161 | -14.5% |
| 2009 | 221 | 198 | -3.5% |
| 2008 | 229 | 208 | -17.3% |
| 2007 | 277 | 250 | 4.9% |
| 2006 | 264 | 227 | 5.2% |
| 2005 | 251 | 224 | 9.6% |
| 2004 | 229 | 209 | -12.6% |
| 2003 | 262 | 239 | -2.6% |
| 2002 | 269 | 232 | 17.0% |
| 2001 | 230 | 201 | -3.0% |
| 2000 | 237 | 203 | 7.7% |
| 1999 | 220 | 194 | -7.2% |
| 1998 | 237 | 208 | -10.6% |
| 1997 | 265 | 223 | 32.5% |
| 1996 | 200 | 179 | -7.0% |
| 1995 | 215 | 186 | 6.4% |
| 1994 | 202 | 182 | 3.6% |
| 1993 | 195 | 167 | 1.6% |
| 1992 | 192 | 172 | -4.0% |
| 1991 | 200 | 172 | -5.7% |
| 1990 | 212 | 190 | 17.1% |
| 1989 | 181 | 163 | -8.6% |
| 1988 | 198 | 183 | -15.4% |
| 1987 | 234 | 198 | 5.4% |
| 1986 | 222 | 193 | -0.4% |
| 1985 | 223 | 194 | -6.3% |
| 1984 | 238 | 204 | -16.8% |
| 1983 | 286 | 253 | 12.6% |
| 1982 | 254 | 215 | -24.9% |
| 1981 | 338 | 289 | 4.0% |
| 1980 | 325 | 276 | -2.1% |
| 1979 | 332 | 275 | 23.0% |
| 1978 | 270 | 233 | -14.6% |
| 1977 | 316 | 258 | 5.7% |
| 1976 | 299 | 248 | 2.7% |
| 1975 | 291 | 241 |
Deaths within 30 days of a crash on a public road, as NHTSA counts them. 2024 is the latest year NHTSA has published; the 2024 figures are from the Annual Report File and may be revised when NHTSA releases the final file. The 2025 file is expected in spring 2027.
The deadliest roads in Montana
I-90 had the most fatal crashes of any numbered road in Montana from 2015 to 2024: 201, with 224 deaths. The 20 roads listed held 48% of all fatal crashes in Montana from 2015 to 2024; 3 are interstates, 9 US routes, 8 state highways. Interstate, US and state routes ranked by fatal crashes from 2015 to 2024; ramps and frontage roads are left out (3 crashes). Roads with 15 or more fatal crashes in 2022 to 2024 have their own page.
| Road | Fatal crashes | Deaths | 2022 to 2024 | Counties with the most | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I-90 | 201 | 224 | 55 | Gallatin, Missoula, Big Horn |
| 2 | US 93 | 121 | 131 | 56 | Lake, Missoula, Ravalli |
| 3 | US 2 | 105 | 125 | 44 | Flathead, Lincoln, Roosevelt |
| 4 | US 87 | 64 | 81 | 21 | Yellowstone, Cascade, Chouteau |
| 5 | I-15 | 61 | 65 | 18 | Cascade, Beaverhead, Silver Bow |
| 6 | US 212 | 59 | 68 | 20 | Big Horn, Rosebud, Carbon |
| 7 | State Highway 200 | 47 | 48 | 16 | Sanders, Missoula, Lewis and Clark |
| 8 | US 12 | 45 | 49 | 10 | Lewis and Clark, Broadwater, Missoula |
| 9 | US 89 | 36 | 38 | 11 | Park, Cascade, Glacier |
| 10 | I-94 | 32 | 40 | 8 | Yellowstone, Rosebud, Dawson |
| 11 | US 191 | 25 | 26 | 11 | Gallatin, Phillips, Fergus |
| 12 | US 310 | 18 | 20 | 3 | Carbon, Yellowstone, Beaverhead |
| 13 | US 287 | 17 | 19 | 3 | Madison, Broadwater, Lewis and Clark |
| 14 | State Highway 35 | 17 | 18 | 5 | Flathead, Lake |
| 15 | State Highway 83 | 16 | 17 | 8 | Lake, Missoula, Flathead |
| 16 | State Highway 451 | 9 | 10 | 0 | Big Horn |
| 17 | State Highway 16 | 8 | 9 | 1 | Richland, Sheridan, Dawson |
| 18 | State Highway 3 | 8 | 8 | 4 | Yellowstone |
| 19 | State Highway 1 | 7 | 7 | 3 | Granite, Deer Lodge |
| 20 | State Highway 56 | 7 | 7 | 3 | Lincoln, Sanders |
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 2024 Annual Report File (released April 2026, subject to revision). How we count
The deadliest counties in Montana
Yellowstone County County had the most fatal crashes in Montana from 2015 to 2024: 186, with 203 deaths. Yellowstone, Flathead and Missoula counties together held 27% of fatal crashes in Montana from 2015 to 2024; the 20 listed held 77%. 55 counties in Montana recorded a fatal crash in those years; the 20 with the most are listed, with deaths per 100,000 residents where the county had 10 or more deaths in 2024.
| County | 2024 | 2015 to 2024 | Deaths | Deaths per 100,000, 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yellowstone County | 23 | 186 | 203 | 14.0 |
| 2 | Flathead County | 23 | 164 | 178 | 20.1 |
| 3 | Missoula County | 14 | 147 | 165 | 12.2 |
| 4 | Big Horn County | 7 | 109 | 130 | 78.1 |
| 5 | Gallatin County | 19 | 99 | 108 | 16.5 |
| 6 | Cascade County | 11 | 91 | 103 | 13.0 |
| 7 | Lake County | 8 | 86 | 90 | Not enough data |
| 8 | Lewis and Clark County | 6 | 73 | 77 | Not enough data |
| 9 | Jefferson County | 7 | 48 | 52 | Not enough data |
| 10 | Glacier County | 5 | 46 | 55 | Not enough data |
| 11 | Lincoln County | 3 | 46 | 48 | Not enough data |
| 12 | Ravalli County | 3 | 45 | 46 | Not enough data |
| 13 | Park County | 4 | 44 | 48 | Not enough data |
| 14 | Rosebud County | 3 | 43 | 47 | Not enough data |
| 15 | Sanders County | 3 | 41 | 43 | Not enough data |
| 16 | Carbon County | 4 | 39 | 42 | Not enough data |
| 17 | Roosevelt County | 1 | 38 | 40 | Not enough data |
| 18 | Silver Bow County | 3 | 34 | 36 | Not enough data |
| 19 | Beaverhead County | 5 | 31 | 33 | Not enough data |
| 20 | Madison County | 1 | 29 | 29 | Not enough data |
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 2024 Annual Report File (released April 2026, subject to revision). How we count
When fatal crashes happen in Montana
The heaviest slot is Saturday, 4 to 8 pm, with 84 fatal crashes from 2015 to 2024. The worst hour is 6 pm to 7 pm; the worst month is July.
| Midnight to 4 | 4 to 8 am | 8 to noon | Noon to 4 | 4 to 8 pm | 8 to midnight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | 3.5 percent, 65 fatal crashes | 1.0 percent, 18 fatal crashes | 2.3 percent, 43 fatal crashes | 3.1 percent, 58 fatal crashes | 3.4 percent, 63 fatal crashes | 2.3 percent, 43 fatal crashes |
| Mon | 1.9 percent, 35 fatal crashes | 1.6 percent, 30 fatal crashes | 1.9 percent, 36 fatal crashes | 2.9 percent, 54 fatal crashes | 3.1 percent, 57 fatal crashes | 2.9 percent, 53 fatal crashes |
| Tue | 1.5 percent, 28 fatal crashes | 1.9 percent, 35 fatal crashes | 1.6 percent, 30 fatal crashes | 2.7 percent, 51 fatal crashes | 2.2 percent, 41 fatal crashes | 2.0 percent, 38 fatal crashes |
| Wed | 1.1 percent, 21 fatal crashes | 1.1 percent, 20 fatal crashes | 1.6 percent, 30 fatal crashes | 2.5 percent, 46 fatal crashes | 2.5 percent, 47 fatal crashes | 1.9 percent, 35 fatal crashes |
| Thu | 1.1 percent, 20 fatal crashes | 1.6 percent, 29 fatal crashes | 1.7 percent, 32 fatal crashes | 2.7 percent, 50 fatal crashes | 2.9 percent, 53 fatal crashes | 2.9 percent, 53 fatal crashes |
| Fri | 2.2 percent, 40 fatal crashes | 1.1 percent, 21 fatal crashes | 1.7 percent, 32 fatal crashes | 3.1 percent, 58 fatal crashes | 3.9 percent, 72 fatal crashes | 4.2 percent, 77 fatal crashes |
| Sat | 3.2 percent, 59 fatal crashes | 1.5 percent, 28 fatal crashes | 2.1 percent, 39 fatal crashes | 3.5 percent, 64 fatal crashes | 4.5 percent, 84 fatal crashes | 3.6 percent, 67 fatal crashes |
By hour
By month
- Jan5.4%
- Feb4.4%
- Mar5.9%
- Apr6.1%
- May7.6%
- Jun9.8%
- Jul14.1%
- Aug12.7%
- Sep10.2%
- Oct9.1%
- Nov7.5%
- Dec7.2%
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 2024 Annual Report File (released April 2026, subject to revision). How we count
Where fatal crashes happen in Montana: rural or urban, intersection, dark or daylight
84% of fatal crashes in Montana from 2015 to 2024 were on rural roads, above the US share of 43%; 15% happened at or near an intersection, below the US share of 25%; 35% in the dark on unlit roads, above the US share of 28%; most, 54%, in daylight. Shares of fatal crashes from 2015 to 2024, against the share across the United States.
| Montana | US | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| On rural roads | 84% | 43% | above the US share |
| At or near an intersection | 15% | 25% | below the US share |
| In daylight | 54% | 46% | above the US share |
| In the dark, road lit | 6.4% | 21% | below the US share |
| In the dark, road unlit | 35% | 28% | above the US share |
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 2024 Annual Report File (released April 2026, subject to revision). How we count
Who died on Montana roads in 2024
Vehicle occupants were 76% of the 206 people killed on Montana roads in 2024; motorcyclists 18% (38), pedestrians 4.9% (10), cyclists 1.0% (2).
| Road user | Deaths | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle occupants | 156 | 76% |
| Motorcyclists | 38 | 18% |
| Pedestrians | 10 | 4.9% |
| Cyclists | 2 | 1.0% |
| Others (on personal conveyances, in parked vehicles, in buildings) | 0 | 0.0% |
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 2024 Annual Report File (released April 2026, subject to revision). How we count
How fatal crashes happen in Montana: alcohol, speeding, seat belts, hit-and-run
A drinking driver was recorded in 44% of fatal crashes in Montana from 2015 to 2024, above the US share of 26%; speeding in 36%, above the US share of 27%; a hit-and-run in 2.7%, below the US share of 6.5%; 64% of passenger-vehicle occupants killed with belt use known were unbelted, above the US share of 49%.
Shares of fatal crashes from 2015 to 2024 with the factor recorded, against the US share. "A drinking driver" is NHTSA's drinking-driver flag (police-reported drinking or any positive alcohol test), not its "alcohol-impaired" figure. "Unbelted" is the share of passenger-vehicle occupants killed whose belt use is known (1,381 in Montana).
| Montana | US | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| A drinking driver | 44% | 26% | above the US share |
| Speeding | 36% | 27% | above the US share |
| Occupants killed unbelted | 64% | 49% | above the US share |
| Hit-and-run | 2.7% | 6.5% | below the US share |
| A motorcycle involved | 14% | 16% | below the US share |
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 2024 Annual Report File (released April 2026, subject to revision). How we count
What the first harmful event was
The first harmful event was a fixed object such as a tree, pole or barrier in 30%; a collision with another vehicle in 28%, a rollover in 24%, a pedestrian in 7.3%. What each fatal crash first hit, 2015 to 2024.
| First harmful event | Fatal crashes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed object (tree, pole, barrier, ditch) | 560 | 30% |
| Collision with another vehicle | 523 | 28% |
| Rollover | 446 | 24% |
| Other | 164 | 8.8% |
| Pedestrian | 137 | 7.3% |
| Cyclist | 20 | 1.1% |
| Parked vehicle | 13 | 0.7% |
| Not reported | 1 | 0.1% |
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 2024 Annual Report File (released April 2026, subject to revision). How we count
Vehicles in fatal crashes in Montana
Pickups were 27% of the 2,397 vehicles in fatal crashes in Montana from 2015 to 2024, cars 25%, SUVs 21%, motorcycles 11%. Every vehicle in a fatal crash from 2015 to 2024, by body type.
| Type | Vehicles | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Pickups | 650 | 27% |
| Cars | 593 | 25% |
| SUVs | 503 | 21% |
| Motorcycles | 275 | 11% |
| Other trucks | 153 | 6.4% |
| Truck-tractors | 131 | 5.5% |
| Vans | 81 | 3.4% |
| Buses | 11 | 0.5% |
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 2024 Annual Report File (released April 2026, subject to revision). How we count
Road deaths in Montana per resident and per mile driven
| Montana | US | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths per 100,000 residents, 2024 | 18.1 | 11.5 | above the US rate |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents a year, 2015 to 2024 | 18.9 | ||
| Deaths per 100 million vehicle-miles, 2024 | 1.49 | 1.22 | above the US rate |
Population 1,137,233 (Census Bureau estimate, 2024); 13,865 million vehicle-miles (FHWA Highway Statistics 2024, table VM-2). The only figures on this page not counted from FARS.
Questions about fatal crashes in Montana
- How many people died in car accidents in Montana in 2024?
- 206 people died in 193 fatal crashes on Montana roads in 2024, 1.0% fewer than in 2023. That is 18.1 deaths per 100,000 residents, against 11.5 across the United States.
- What is the deadliest road in Montana?
- I-90 had the most fatal crashes of any numbered road in Montana from 2015 to 2024: 201, with 224 deaths. US 93 was second with 121.
- Which county in Montana has the most fatal crashes?
- Yellowstone County, with 186 fatal crashes and 203 deaths from 2015 to 2024, 23 of them in 2024.
- When do fatal crashes in Montana happen most often?
- The heaviest slot from 2015 to 2024 was Saturday, 4 to 8 pm, with 84 fatal crashes.
- How many fatal crashes in Montana involved a drinking driver?
- 819 of 1,864 fatal crashes in Montana from 2015 to 2024 involved a driver NHTSA recorded as drinking, 44%, against 26% across the United States.
County pages for Montana
Every county in Montana with 50 or more fatal crashes from 2015 to 2024, each with its crashes by year, roads, hour and weekday, and deaths per 100,000 residents.
Road pages for Montana
Every numbered road in Montana with 15 or more fatal crashes from 2022 to 2024, each with its crashes by year, county, hour and weekday.
Where the Montana numbers come from
Every figure on this page is counted from NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System, the federal census of fatal crashes on US public roads, 2024 Annual Report File. A fatal crash is one in which someone died within 30 days. Road names are normalised ("I35 FRONTAGE" and "I-35" are the same road; frontage roads and ramps are left out of road counts). Fields NHTSA coded as unknown show as "Not reported"; a share is only given over 20 crashes, otherwise "Not enough data". Rates per resident and per mile use Census Bureau population estimates and FHWA vehicle-miles, the only figures not counted from FARS. The full method.