As of Oct. 11, there have been 169 highway fatalities in Montana compared to 185 at the same time last year. That’s a good thing and to be noted for whatever has caused the dip in numbers or the combination of modifications and behaviors.

121 were killed in vehicle accidents. 27 were riding motorcycles. Seven involved ATVs, according to the Montana Department of Highway website. 74 deaths were attributed to improper restraints and 88 were impaired driving. That’s 52% of the fatalities on Montana highways so far this year have been by impaired driving.

Alcohol, marijuana, opioids, anything that alters one’s mind has resulted in over half the deaths on our road system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the greatest percentage of impaired drivers, 27%, are between age 21 to 24 with the next group between 25 and 34, which is 25%. Those two age groups make up 52% of the fatalities.

And here comes the holiday season, which is known for excess in almost everything, except common sense which seems to take a back seat sometimes. The Mineral County DUI Task Force is a diverse group of community minded residents with their meetings open to the public each quarter.

The next meeting is at 4 p.m. in the county commissioner’s office on Jan. 17.

Initial funding comes from driver penalty fees and under Montana Code Annotated 61-2-108: $100 of reinstated driver's licenses from DUIs continues to return to the county task force. These funds help pay for overtime traffic patrols, specialty items for promotional use like T-shirts and key chains plus, responsible alcohol sales-and-service training.

The overall bottom line is to stop impaired driving before it happens. Ernie Ornelas, coordinator of the Mineral County DUI Task Force, recently remarked on the overall mission.

“As we fall under the DOT, our entire point is to reduce deaths and injuries due to impaired drivers. Anything that reduces that is what we are targeting. Either by prevention or actively supporting law enforcement with overtime wages or working with the 3 schools through their administrations.”

According to the DEA, Red Ribbon Week is the largest and longest running drug awareness and violence prevention program in the nation. It is an alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention campaign observed annually in October. With assistance of the task force’s newest member, Anna Schreck, who is a Prevention Specialist through Western Montana Mental Health Center, a speaker is being secured for a special message aimed at the older students in Mineral County.