When I first moved to Bozeman someone told me the population turns over about every seven years.

Perhaps this massive turnover of bodies accounts for how erratically people seem to drive when the first snowflakes begin to fall.

If the license plate in front of you has a “6” as the beginning number that’s pretty much Bozeman. So you might have a false sense of security that they know how to drive on snow or ice.

Don’t believe it. A more realistic belief is that they’re busy texting someone rather than paying attention to the snow or anyone in their immediate vicinity.

It’s Only Going To Get Worse

After living in Bozeman for more than 25 years I can tell you that MSU students must have a death wish.

If you see an MSU parking sticker on any vehicle pull over until they are out of sight. You’ll thank me later.

More than likely they're from Florida, never seen snow, and borrowed some unwitting other student's vehicle — for the last time.

Here's How To Spot The Safest Bozeman Drivers

While this is not always a full proof indication of a safe driver it works at least 80 percent of the time.

It’s the people who have the most to loose if an accident occurs. Those with the nicest cars are very protective of denting their $60,000 pickup or luxury ride.

Being in their proximity is usually a semi-safe spot to be unless of course there is a Hillary sticker on their bumper then they think they own the road. So back off.

Some Final Thoughts

I spent the vast majority of my time in Montana doing outside sales for three companies. I was on the streets all day every day so I speak from experience.

In all those years I’ve yet to get a ticket or have an accident. I’ve been stopped a couple of times but the officers took pity on me.

What saves me is that I’m a very defensive driver. In Bozeman you have to be.

So when you take to the roads this winter I hope my tips will keep you out of the ditches, away from those pesky bumpers, and out of the police reports.

Happy Sledding. Comments below.

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