Seat belts, an air bag and a brush guard all played roles in preventing serious injuries in a Friday afternoon traffic accident in Libby.

The crash, which is under investigation due to the suspicion of alcohol use, occurred at about noon on U.S. 2 near the Shaugnessy Road intersection in Libby. It resulted in a decrease of traffic lane use while it was cleaned up and investigated.

Montana Highway Patrol Sgt. Andrew Horton is the investigating officer in the accident. 

Sgt. Horton told The Western News a 1998 tan Toyota Tacoma pickup truck with Lincoln County, Montana plates was at Saverite South when the driver attempted to make a left-hand turn from the lot and failed to yield to the driver of a 2011 red Toyota Prius with Idaho plates, which was traveling south on U.S. 2.

Both vehicles sustained severe front-end damage, but Horton said injuries to both drivers were minor and didn’t require transport to the hospital.

An air bag was deployed in the Prius while the drivers of both vehicles reportedly wore seat belts. The pickup was fitted with a brush guard.

Several first responders were at the scene, including MHP, Libby Volunteer Fire Department, Libby Volunteer Ambulance, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Libby Police Department.

They checked on the drivers of each vehicle, provided traffic control and cleaned the scene of debris left from the collision.

Two tow trucks were also at the scene to remove the disabled vehicles.

Horton and others involved were thankful the crash didn’t result in significant injuries or worse.

It proved to be an extremely busy day for area first responders, particularly fire crews, who were also involved in extinguishing a fire Friday evening at the Lincoln County Landfill outside of Libby.

    A 1998 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck had severe front end damage following a two-vehicle accident Friday, July 17, 2026, on U.S. 2 near the Shaugnessy Road intersection. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
  

    A tow truck driver with Patriot Towing prepares a 2011 Toyota Prius for removal from the scene of a two-vehicle traffic accident Friday, July 17, 2026, on U.S. 2 near the Shaugnessy Road intersection in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
  

    A host of first responders were at the scene of a two-vehicle traffic accident Friday, July 17, 2026, on U.S. 2 near the Shaugnessy Road intersection in Libby. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)