Highway deaths in Montana have dropped by almost 18 percent from this time last year.
The director of the Montana Department of Transportation says that's impressive, but adds that more needs to be done.
Mike Tooley says 132 people have died so far on Montana's highways. Last year, there were a total of 159 fatalities.
"I'm watching the number of people who've been killed as a result of not wearing their seatbelt and (that) dropped by 7-percent," Tooley says. "That doesn't sound like a lot, but that's 12 people in this state all by itself. The individuals killed as a result of not wearing a seatbelt represent the largest number of people who are killed in traffic crashes in Montana. If you can make a big change in that area - or even a small change - it winds up being bigger numbers."
The Montana Highway Patrol says speed-related fatalities have decreased 27-percent from this time last year.
Montana consistently ranks in the top 10 for alcohol consumption and fatal crashes involving alcohol. Tooley says he thinks Montanans are growing frustrated with that ranking.
"I think what the next big change will be is when we as Montanans actually start stepping in and taking responsibility for our neighbor and doing what we can to prevent them from getting in that car when their intoxicated."
Tooley plans to support a primary seatbelt law bill when the 2015 Montana legislature convenes this winter. That would enable law enforcement to pull over and cite drivers who are not wearing their seatbelts.
Currently a driver can only be cited for non-use if he or she has been stopped for another traffic violation.
Tooley says that one measure could save an estimated 20 lives annually.
