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Flathead County Leads State in Traffic Deaths

By Beacon Staff

A Montana Highway Patrol report shows Flathead County had the state’s deadliest roads in 2008.

There were 25 people killed in 22 crashes in Flathead County last year, according to a recent report.

That marks the third consecutive year Flathead County led the state in traffic fatalities. Despite that distinction, the number of Flathead County traffic deaths was down from 26 in 2007 and 30 in 2006.

Montana Highway Patrol Capt. Clancy King says the total number of crashes is more telling than the number of fatalities. He says the number of crashes in Flathead Valley was down to about 1,200 last year from 1,400 in 2004.

Following Flathead County in traffic fatalities last year were Yellowstone County with 22, Missoula County with 20, Gallatin and Lewis and Clark counties with 13 each, and Big Horn County with 12.

The number of traffic deaths statewide dropped to 229 last year from 276 in 2007.