This Is No Good, Montana’s Startling Rank For Drunk Driving

Where Does Montana Rank In America For Drunk Driving?

Drinking and driving is something no one wants to admit they've done before, but I'd wager a few people have done it once or twice in their lifetimes.

In a place like Montana with such wide open spaces and long stretches of highway, it's actually a common occurrence in this state.

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It's such a common occurrence that it's become more than a bit of a problem, it's a huge problem.

According to a report from Forbes Advisor, Montana is the worst violator of drinking and driving in America.

1. Montana

Montana’s score: 100 out of 100

• The Big Sky Country topped the list with sobering statistics like 8.39 drunk drivers were involved in a fatal crash for every 100,000 licensed drivers, and 6.92 people were killed in a crash involving a drunk driver for every 100,000 state residents. Those are both the highest in the country.
• Nearly half of Montana traffic deaths (45%) in 2020 were caused by drunk drivers. That also ranked highest.
• The state had the second-highest number of drunk drivers under 21 involved in fatal crashes (0.9 per 100,000 licensed drivers), behind only Texas.
• Montana had the 10th highest DUI arrests per 100,000 licensed drivers (478.26).
• Our survey revealed that Montana drivers tied with New Mexico for being the 11th most likely to say they’ve seen a friend or family member appear intoxicated and drive home from a holiday party (43%).

Are DUI Penalties To Soft In Montana?

When it comes to penalties for a DUI in Montana this is what I found from the website FindLaw

First offense: Punishable by imprisonment for between 24 hours and six months, and by a fine of between $300 and $1,000.

Second offense: Punishable by imprisonment for between seven days and one year, and by a fine of between $600 and $1,000.

Third offense: Punishable by imprisonment for between 30 days and one year, and by a fine of between $1,000 and $5,000.

The penalty for a DUI offense is enhanced if there was a passenger in the vehicle who was less than 16 years old at the time of the offense.

Keep Scrolling To See The Drunkest Counties In Montana👇

Are those penalties stiff enough or should they be harsher?

Would harsher penalties decrease the amount of drunk drivers in the state or will people drive drunk regardless?

Let's hear your opinion by email me here or message us through our app.