Bozeman, MT (April 28, 2026) – A pedestrian was severely injured early Sunday, April 26, after a car jumped the curb and struck him on West Babcock Street in Bozeman, Montana.
The man was walking along the sidewalk when a car swerved off the road, hit him, and crashed into a pillar. Officers who arrived at the scene found the victim bleeding from his forehead and with a visibly broken right leg. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The driver told officers the crash was caused by a mechanical failure and that they had consumed two servings of whiskey at a nearby bar before the crash. Officers later arrested the driver on charges of criminal endangerment and aggravated DUI.
The incident remains under review by authorities. We are thinking of the injured pedestrian as he receives medical care.
Pedestrian Safety and Drunk Driving Risks Near Bozeman Bars
Areas near bars and entertainment districts in Montana cities tend to see higher pedestrian traffic late at night, which can increase the risk of vehicle-versus-pedestrian incidents. Sidewalks along these corridors are often close to the road, leaving little buffer between foot traffic and passing vehicles. When a driver loses control, even briefly, pedestrians in these zones have very little time or space to react.
Driving under the influence significantly slows reaction time and affects a driver’s ability to stay in their lane. A car that veers off the road even slightly at low speed can cause life-altering injuries to someone on a sidewalk. Pedestrian injuries from DUI crashes often involve broken bones and head trauma, both of which can require extended recovery.
