Impact of Tourism on Montana Road Safety

For the US states, tourism plays a big role in keeping the economy alive and well. Whenever everything else fails, it’s always good to have a stable influx of tourists. That’s why the US invests so much money in different tourist attractions such as Disneyland, for instance.

If we’re talking about Montana, this state is definitely known for its mesmerizing landscapes, beautiful national parks and challenging mountain peaks. The outdoor recreation opportunities are numerous and this is exactly what attracts so many tourists each year. And in recent years, Montana has definitely been experiencing a surge in the number of annual visitors.

From the world-renowned Glacier National Park to Yellowstone’s scenic routes, the state's highways and roads become increasingly busy, especially during peak travel seasons. While tourism significantly benefits Montana’s economy, it also brings challenges, particularly regarding road safety.

It’s a well-known fact that, the more people you have roaming your roads, the more likely it gets for those people to end up in an accident, especially if they visit Montana during winter when the unpredictable weather can drastically make the roads even more dangerous.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the risks that come with an increased number of tourists and visitors each year and we’ll also provide some potential solutions that could mitigate road safety concerns.

Why Tourism Increases the Chances of Accidents

There’s no doubt that tourism has many benefits. As mentioned, it boosts the economy and ensures that a country has a continuous influx of profit. Additionally, tourism leads to more job opportunities, especially in the hospitality sector and it also promotes cultural diversity. To put things into perspective, in 2023 tourism was “responsible” for employing approximately 320 million people.

Tourism directly impacts road safety in Montana by increasing traffic volume, introducing inexperienced drivers to unfamiliar road conditions, and increasing the risks associated with hazardous weather.

Many tourists visiting Montana are not accustomed to driving on mountainous and winding roads. The state features several two-lane highways with sharp curves, steep inclines, and minimal roadside protection. Visitors who are unfamiliar with these conditions may struggle to maintain control of their vehicles, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Whenever tourists leave the highway and get face to face with Montana’s rural roads, that’s when things get messy as these roads are often unkempt, namely during wintertime. Car accidents often take place on these roads and if you’re a tourist just passing by, you’re not quite sure what you’re supposed to do in such a situation.

In this type of situation, it’s always advisable to find a motor vehicle accident law firm that can take care of the legal process so you don’t have to deal with Montana insurance companies all on your own.

Another thing tourists aren’t prepared for is the wildlife, especially if they come from states where that isn’t a normal occurrence. Montana’s vast wilderness means frequent encounters with deer, elk, and even bison on roadways. Tourists, unaccustomed to these hazards, may not react appropriately, causing collisions that could have been avoided by experienced local drivers.

The Impact of Tourism-related Accidents on Montana

The rise in accidents due to tourism has several consequences, affecting public safety, emergency services, infrastructure, and even local communities.

Strain on Emergency Services

An increase in traffic accidents places added pressure on emergency responders, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies. Remote areas, where medical facilities are limited, face particular challenges in providing timely care to accident victims.

That’s also something the local authorities in Montana need to work on and ensure that even in remote areas, people can still reach emergency services and count on their help.

Financial Costs

Anyone who owns a car knows how much of a financial strain it can be to simply maintain your car and take care of all the regular costs. Now, imagine if you get into an accident and have to cover those costs as well. The average cost was $12,182 a while back, but each year the number gets higher.

Car accidents lead to financial burdens for both tourists and Montana residents. Increased insurance claims, medical expenses, and property damage contribute to economic strain. Moreover, the cost of maintaining and repairing roads damaged by high traffic volume adds to the state’s expenses.

Traffic Congestion and Delays

Accidents, especially on major tourist routes, lead to road closures, long delays, and traffic congestion, negatively affecting both residents and visitors. Tourists unfamiliar with alternative routes may find themselves stranded or lost, especially in areas with poor mobile signal, meaning they can’t even consult a map or even call road assistance.

Environmental Impact

Road accidents can lead to environmental damage, particularly in Montana’s national parks and protected areas. Oil spills, vehicle fires, and destruction of vegetation due to collisions contribute to ecological harm.

Increased Fatalities and Injuries

According to Montana’s Department of Transportation, a significant portion of road fatalities involve out-of-state drivers. Many tourists, unprepared for local road conditions, drive at inappropriate speeds, fail to yield, or engage in risky behaviors, leading to severe injuries and fatalities.

The Key Takeaways

While tourism is a vital part of Montana’s economy, it also brings road safety challenges that must be addressed. The influx of tourists unfamiliar with local roads, unpredictable weather, and wildlife hazards significantly increases the risk of accidents. And while it’s definitely important to promote tourism, it’s also necessary to address these problems as they come up.

Local authorities need to work on road maintenance and to also find some way to educate their visitors on potential hazards that may come up while doing their trip. This is essential as many tourists come from completely different states where they don’t experience the same weather or wildlife as in Montana.

All in all, it’s important to always be mindful of the road ahead and to adjust your speed to the conditions on the road. You need to be well-prepared when venturing into the unknown and that’s the only way to reduce the risk of getting into an accident.