×

Fewer traffic fatalities in 2019 something to celebrate

Whether 2019 was a good year for you personally, or not, North Dakotans can look back on the year in a positive light for at least one good reason.

The number of fatal traffic accidents on the state’s highways was down in 2019.

According to the governor’s office, “Preliminary reports indicate that North Dakota had 98 motor vehicle fatalities in 2019 – a total that, if it goes unchanged, would be the first time in 17 years the state has recorded fewer than 100 traffic fatalities.”

The statement gives credit to the Vision Zero initiative for helping reduce the number of fatalities on our roadways.

“Since the comprehensive Vision Zero initiative was launched in 2018 by the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Highway Patrol and Department of Health, traffic fatalities in the state have decreased from 116 in 2017 to 105 in 2018 to a preliminary total of 98 in 2019, which would be the lowest total since 97 traffic fatalities were recorded in 2002.”

It will take up to 30 days to finalize the 2019 total as crash reports and investigations are completed.

Some other statistics about the 98 fatalities that are of note:

– Approximately 47% of the victims were not wearing their seat belt.

– 42% of the accidents were alcohol-related.

– 25% were speed-related.

By mode of transportation:

– 74 of the victims were in a passenger vehicle.

– 11 were motorcyclists.

– Five were pedestrians.

– Four were on all-terrain vehicles.

– Two were bicyclists.

– One fatality involved a train.

Gov. Doug Burgum stressed that further progress must be made in preventing accidents.

“The only acceptable number of deaths on North Dakota roads is zero, and every year that we move closer to that goal represents important progress, because these aren’t just numbers – they’re people’s lives, and every life matters,” Burgum said. “We’re grateful to our Vision Zero partners for their dedication to keeping everyone safe and secure, and to the traveling public who have heeded the initiative’s emphasis on personal responsibility, including driving sober and distraction-free, buckling up and slowing down.”

Thanks, Gov. Burgum, for giving credit where credit is due.

Buckle up, North Dakota…and slow down wherever, whenever you drive. And, especially, be a positive role model for young drivers.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today