BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – As the summer driving season begins, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Highway Safety Division is reporting a notable decrease in traffic fatalities.
In 2024, 89 people, drivers, passengers, motorcyclists and pedestrians died on North Dakota roads, the lowest total recorded in over two decades.
That is 17 fewer compared to 2023, and nine fewer from 2022.
“While we’re encouraged by the decline in crash fatalities, the reality is that 89 lives were still lost on our roads,” said NDDOT Director Ron Henke. “Each person was someone’s loved one, and that loss is felt deeply across our communities. This progress 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 as we work toward a future with zero fatalities.”
30 fatalities involved unbelted occupants — a decrease from 37 in 2023.
19 fatalities were alcohol-related — a decrease from 33 in 2023, however, several toxicology reports are still pending.
21 fatalities were speed-related — a decrease from 24 in 2023.
57 fatal crashes involved lane departures — an increase from 52 in 2023.
17 motorcyclists died in crashes — an increase from 16 in 2023.
5 pedestrian deaths were recorded — a decrease from 10 in 2023.
Data is still being analyzed, and will be published later this year in the 2024 North Dakota Crash Summary.
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