BISMARCK – A notable decrease in traffic fatalities has been reported by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Highway Safety Division, following the kickoff of the summer travel season on Memorial Day.

North Dakota experienced 89 fatalities in 2024, which was the lowest total recorded in more than two decades. 2024 saw 17 fewer lives lost 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.”

The 2024 totals included 30 fatalities involving unbelted occupants, which was seven less than 2023. Further 2024 decreases were found in alcohol-related fatalities with 19 compared to 33 in 2023, and 21 speed related fatalities down from 24 in 2023.

However, increases were noted in fatal crashes involving lane departures with 57 in 2024, and 17 motorcyclist deaths. Pedestrian deaths did decrease from 10 to five between 2023 and 2024.

Additional data is still being analyzed according to the NDDOT, and will be published later this year in the 2024 North Dakota Crash Summary.