As summer travel kicks off, North Dakota officials are highlighting encouraging news: the state recorded its lowest number of traffic fatalities in more than 24 years.
According to preliminary data from the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), 89 people died in crashes in 2024, down from 106 in 2023 and 98 in 2022. The count includes drivers, passengers, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
“It’s very exciting,” said Lauren Wahlman, safety public information program manager at NDDOT, in a statement. “It helps us realize that our work is impacting the communities and also drives us to continue to lower this number.”
Officials attribute the decline in fatalities to enhanced public education efforts and the implementation of new safety laws. In August 2023, North Dakota enacted a primary seat belt law requiring all occupants—regardless of age or seating position—to buckle up.
“We’re also seeing a decrease in impaired driving crashes,” Wahlman said.
Still, state leaders stress that each life lost represents a profound loss for families and communities.
“While we’re encouraged by the decline, 89 lives were still lost,” said Ron Henke, NDDOT director. “This reinforces the importance of Vision Zero and continuing to educate the public on seat belt use, sober and distraction-free driving, and following posted speed limits.”
Vision Zero, the state’s safety initiative, aims for zero motor vehicle fatalities and urges all North Dakotans to make responsible choices behind the wheel.
Source: KVRR.com, KXNET.com
