HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – Local Hi-Line residents are working to update fatality markers on highways in Hill County in order to meet recently updated guidelines.
Havre American Legion Post 11 Commander Dave Brewer says there are dozens of fatality markers in Hill County, many of which still need restoration or changes such as breakaway posts.
“Helena has decided that we need to get back on track of following all their guidelines for safety reasons, which makes perfectly good sense. It’s just that the posts are very, very expensive. They are anywhere from $26-$36 a piece, depending on if you can even find them.”
“Along with posts needing to be breakaway, they also need to be a certain height now. That’s part of the issue as well when it comes to these new posts. I’ve got to get them a certain length so that I know I have enough post above ground as well as below ground. We’ve got a lot of posts, especially on 87 down to Box Elder, that are just way too short. You can’t even see them. So that really makes them a hazard. Because if you drive off the road, especially in the winter, you could run right over one and not even know that you just hit one…There’s a lot of safety issues involved here.”
Brewer says they have also been working to add other signs throughout the area.
“Recently, we had some new signs made to put out on the highway, reminding people to slow down and (tell them) exactly what the fatality marker program is.”
One of these signs has already been put up, and Brewer says he hopes to put more up next year.
Anyone interested in helping out the local Highway Fatality Marker can contact Brewer or the local American Legion in person or on Facebook.
Fatality markers serve as a reminder to drive carefully and alert drivers to potential hazard areas.
