Slick roads blamed for crashes

Slow down. That’s the message from law enforcement as snow and ice have already begun to plague local roads, with more than a few wrecks beginning to add up.

The first snow of the season hit the area late last week and though there was only a few inches of accumulation, the roads were slick.

Two drivers from Plains were involved in a collision Friday on Montana 200.

Though the accident remains under investigation, Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Zachary Rehbein said that speed was a factor, noting that both drivers were lucky to survive.

The female driver was transported to the Clark Fork Valley Hospital. It was unclear as to the extent of her injuries, though she reportedly did not appear to have any life-threatening injuries at the time.

Authorities said it appeared that each vehicle involved was traveling toward each other, although details were unknown as of press-time.

A state snowplow driver phoned in the wreck to authorities.

Although it seems that the winter has arrived earlier than expected, it has certainly taken a lot of residents off guard. One local car garage said that they are completely booked out with drivers from around the county attempting to get their winter tires on their vehicles.

A wintry mix is in the forecast for Wednesday evening, before transitioning to all rain Thursday.