Sheriff speaks out after four weekend reports of wrong-way driving in Gallatin County

BOZEMAN – Montana Highway Patrol tells MTN News that from Saturday, Oct. 12, through Sunday, Oct. 13, they received four reports of wrong-way drivers in the Bozeman area on Interstate 90 charged with reckless driving.

According to Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer, a wrong-way driver corrected himself around the 19th Avenue interchange on I-90.

According to Sheriff Springer, drunk driving is the leading cause of wrong-way driving on the highway in Gallatin County.

VIEW PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Even though there are more wrong-way drivers, the sheriff’s office says the new signs are working

Despite more wrong-way drivers, the new signs are working, according to the Sheriff’s Office

“I think people are way too drunk and drinking too much and driving their vehicles,” Sheriff Springer said.

He wants establishments that serve alcohol to stop serving alcohol to drunks.

“They must stop driving their vehicles when they drink alcohol. Our establishments need to stop serving them when they are drunk and then of course people need to pay attention,” said Sheriff Springer.

Sheriff Springer says wrong way signs act as a deterrent.

“We have pretty good signage in place. We’ve seen it make a difference. We notice that cars turn around when they get to the flashing red lights. That’s not the answer, but it’s helpful. But we still have a problem, and it’s mostly about alcohol – we know that for sure,” says Sheriff Springer.