Preliminary data from the North Dakota Department of Transportation and the North Dakota Highway Patrol indicate that motor vehicle fatalities in North Dakota in 2016 were significantly reduced compared to the previous year, down 13 percent from 131 in 2015 to only 114 in 2016.
The vast majority of these 114 fatalities involved passenger vehicles, but motorcyclists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and all-terrain vehicles were also included. The data also indicates that a substantial number of those who were killed died in single-vehicle rollover crashes. 74 percent of these involved individuals not wearing a seat belt, and 62 percent of these crashes were alcohol-related.
While many factors can contribute to motor vehicle crashes, speed is a major cause of fatal motor vehicle crashes. Speed was a contributing factor in 21 percent of the 114 motor vehicle fatalities in North Dakota in 2016.
Since speed is such a significant factor in motor vehicle fatalities, it is important to know and implement tips to reduce the likelihood of being involved in a speed-related motor vehicle crash. Some of these tips include:
For more information, visit the North Dakota Traffic Safety Network Partner website Code for the Road.
While it is good news that motor vehicle fatalities in North Dakota are down, accidents still happen. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, contact the experienced North Dakota personal injury attorneys at Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben today. We can help. Fill out the contact form at www.schwebel.com or call 612-377-7777 or toll free at 1-800-752-4265 for a free consultation. Drive safely!