Drivers walk away from 2 serious wrecks

Last week saw two near major accidents on the roads of Sanders County within days of each other.

Thursday afternoon along Montana 28, first-responders attended to a vehicle rollover at mile marker 4.

The driver of a 2007 Toyota Prius over-corrected as he was making his way down the grade toward Plains. Montana Highway Patrol Sergeant Shawn Smalley said that the 25-year-old driver came out of the rollover in very favorable conditions.

“At this time it is unknown to what began the actual cause of the accident,” said Smalley.

“The driver attempted to correct the vehicle, which resulted in him over correcting approximately three times before it rolled over into the rocks on the side of the mountain,” he added.

The driver was checked by local paramedics on scene and was deemed to have minor injuries.

He had been traveling down from Glacier National Park on a three-week road trip from Indiana.

The driver was cited a careless driving ticket.

Smalley made mention that due to the driver wearing his seatbelt, it turned a possible major crash into a minor incident.

Not two days later in the late hours of Saturday night, another near potential major accident occurred along Montana 135 at mile marker 11.

A female driver who was the single occupant of Volkswagen Beetle collided with a guard rail as she traveled southwest toward St. Regis.

Though paramedics were originally called to scene along with Plains-Paradise Rural Fire; both were stood down by highway patrol on scene.

Trooper Zach Rehbein attended the accident where the front end of the Beetle was extensively damaged.

Due to the nature of the accident, Rehbien conducted a field sobriety test roadside and also a preliminary breath test to see if there were any indicators of impaired driving that resulted in the accident.

After collecting all information, he determined that the female driver was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol.

Rehbein then assisted the driver into his vehicle to get a secondary test for further confirmation of the suspected blood alcohol level exceeding the legal limit of .08.

Though the vehicle was pretty beat up from the accident, Rehbein said that the driver was extremely lucky to have not gone through the guard rails into the river.

“It’s believed that she drifted off the road before attempting to over-correct her vehicle as she attempted to get back on the pavement. This resulted in the driver hitting the guard rail,” he explained.

The Mineral County resident was cited for DUI.

With two near major accidents occurring on the roads within days of each other, law enforcement officials are urging drivers to take care when on the roads.

“We understand everyone wants to get out and get camping or go enjoy a catch up with friends, but care still needs to be taken on the roads to avoid accidents,” urged Rehbein.

Authorities are stressing the importance for all drivers to make smart decisions.

As high school seniors get set for their last summer before college; Trooper Steve Spurr encourages teens to not make a quick or silly choice that can quickly effect the rest of their lives.

“It’s easy to make a shotgun decision that results in the ultimate bad choice that can seriously affect you, your family and friends for the rest of their lives,” he said.

“We want everyone to be safe, no law enforcement officer wants to have to inform a family of bad news after a serious, avoidable crash,” he explained.

Other advice coming from officials, is to stop and enjoy the scenery, don’t become a part of it. Meaning they encourage visitors and locals alike to stop and take a photo, do not try and text, Facetime or take a photo while you are operating a vehicle.

“We have some beautiful scenery, we understand that, but don’t try and risk yourself, family or other drivers by not paying attention to the road,” said Spurr.

“Don’t forget to buckle up. Some of our most severe crashes that see major injuries come from those back roads. Just because you are not on the pavement doesn’t mean you should relax and not wear a seatbelt,” insisted Spurr.

Both crashes last week were essentially minor due to the fact that both drivers wore safety belts.

Both Smalley and Rehbein said seat belts that were worn were the reason drivers were able to walk away.