Deadly Holiday on Roadways

The Billings Gazette reports that Fourth of July week has earned a reputation as the deadliest for drivers on Montana roads. However, even by that standard, last week was extraordinary. Fourteen people have reportedly been killed so far this month, including six people on July 4th and 5th, according to Montana Highway Patrol spokeswoman Kristin Branchero on Monday. That brings the yearly fatality total to 78. Roadway deaths are still lower than average for the year, down about 9 percent compared to the past two years, and fatal crashes are down about 8 percent.