SHEPHERD – The drivers of two cars that collided on Highway 312 near Cline Road Sunday afternoon were treated for minor injuries.
The Montana Highway Patrol trooper who investigated the accident said air bags discharged and seat belts were worn in both cars “or the crash would have been a lot worse.”
Trooper Buck O’Neill identified the driver of an eastbound Chevy Impala as Connie McCarty of Huntley.
“She was distracted, tending to her two children and didn’t notice cars in front of her stopping,” said O’Neill. “She swerved into the other traffic lane and hit the westbound Chevy Cobalt.”
Laura Thormahlen was identified as the driver of the other vehicle.
McCarty was cited for careless driving. Alcohol and speed were not a factor in the accident.
Two weeks ago, a Shepherd woman was killed on Highway 312 at the intersection of Shepherd Road when her car was struck on the driver’s side by a pickup truck. Mary (Martinez) Kelly died from blunt force trauma, according to the coroner’s office.
Highway 312 is dangerous because it has so many roads intersecting with it that have blind spots and because there are no shoulders on most of the roadway, according to Trooper O’Neill. Cars also tend to speed along the highway, which is posted at 60 mph.
