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Billings Accident: Two Hospitalized After Tuesday Night Collision
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Two residents of Billings, Montana, were transported to local hospitals Tuesday night following a traffic accident. The incident occurred near the intersection of Midland Road and Central Avenue around 9:30 PM, according to initial reports from the Billings Police Department. Details surrounding the cause of the collision are still under investigation.
Details of the Accident
The accident involved two vehicles: a blue 2018 Ford F-150 pickup truck and a silver 2022 Honda CRV. Preliminary investigations suggest the Ford F-150, driven by 32-year-old Mark Johnson, was traveling eastbound on Central Avenue when it collided wiht the Honda CRV, driven by 28-year-old Sarah Miller, attempting to turn left onto Midland Road.
Did You Know? …
Billings sees an average of 15 traffic accidents per week, according to the Montana Department of Transportation.
Both drivers sustained injuries and were immediately taken to St. Vincent Healthcare.Johnson suffered a broken leg and multiple abrasions, while Miller sustained a concussion and whiplash. Their conditions are currently listed as stable. Police confirmed that both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.
investigation Underway
The Billings Police Department’s Traffic Investigation Unit is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators are reviewing dashcam footage from nearby businesses and interviewing witnesses to determine the exact cause.
Pro Tip: …
If you witness a traffic accident, safely pull over and offer assistance if possible, but always prioritize your own safety.
Authorities have ruled out alcohol as a contributing factor in the accident, but are exploring the possibility of distracted driving. The intersection of Midland Road and Central Avenue was temporarily closed for approximately two hours while investigators processed the scene.Traffic has since returned to normal.
| Driver | Vehicle | injuries | Hospital |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Johnson | 2018 Ford F-150 | Broken Leg, Abrasions | St. vincent Healthcare |
| Sarah Miller | 2022 Honda CRV | Concussion, whiplash | St. Vincent Healthcare |
Traffic Safety in Billings, Montana
Billings, Montana, has seen a slight increase in traffic accidents over the past year, attributed to population growth and increased traffic volume. The city is currently implementing several initiatives to improve road safety, including enhanced traffic signal timing and increased police patrols in high-accident areas.
Did You Know? …
Montana consistently ranks among the states with the highest rates of fatal car accidents per capita.
The Montana Department of Transportation reports that distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents statewide. They are actively promoting campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of texting and driving,and encourage drivers to put their phones away while behind the wheel.
Evergreen Insights: Traffic Accident Trends
Traffic accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Governance (NHTSA), there were over 6 million car crashes in 2022, resulting in over 42,795 fatalities. Common contributing factors include speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and aggressive driving behaviors. The NHTSA offers resources and data on traffic safety trends at https://www.nhtsa.gov/.
Montana, in particular, faces unique challenges due to its vast distances, rural roads, and harsh weather conditions. Wildlife crossings are also a significant concern, as collisions with deer and other animals are common. The Montana Department of Transportation provides facts on safe driving practices for Montana’s roads at https://www.mdt.mt.gov/.
