Dangers of 'Deadliest Days of Summer' highlighted by Mission Valley crash

In a tragic event on Tuesday evening, four individuals lost their lives in a collision on Highway 93 near St. Ignatius. The accident, which occurred in the Post Creek Hill area just after 5:30 p.m., involved an RV carrying 10 passengers and a car with four occupants. All four individuals in the car lost their lives, while all occupants of the RV survived, though some sustained injuries. The identities of the victims have not been made public as Montana Highway Patrol investigates the incident. This unfortunate event took place during the period referred to as the "100 deadliest days of summer," lasting from Memorial Day to Labor Day, a time when traffic accidents are more frequent. Since Memorial Day, four fatal accidents have occurred in District 1, which encompasses Missoula, Ravalli, Sanders, and Mineral counties, including the areas from the Bitterroot and Idaho borders to Flathead Lake and the Missoula Valley. Trooper Nick Navarro of the Montana Highway Patrol highlighted the risks associated with summer traffic, noting that the state's growing population and increased tourist activity contribute to the dangerous conditions on the roads, with unfamiliarity with local traffic patterns and wildlife posing additional challenges. Despite the population growth, the number of troopers in District 1 has not kept pace, leading to resource constraints that impact traffic safety enforcement. Emphasizing individual responsibility, troopers urge drivers to adhere to traffic laws, follow speed limits, pay attention to surroundings, wear seat belts, and ultimately prioritize safety on the roads.