North Dakota’s Winter Driving Statistics

Local authorities and the North Dakota Department of Transportation like to review the numbers and causes of fatal accidents that take place across the state pretty often. Their purpose in doing so is to help prevent future accidents and determine what they can be doing better overall. Car accidents happen all year long but the winter driving statistics in particular tends to see a slight increase in fatal incidents. While weather may be a contributing factor in these crashes, drivers are responsible for driving appropriately for any road conditions.

The Northeast region of the state has seen the highest number of fatal accidents this winter compared to other regions. A total of 10 people have died so far this winter in auto accidents in Northeastern North Dakota, seven of those occurring in 2014. Weather is just one of many concerning factors in the cause of these accidents.

In total, 16 people have died statewide in car accidents so far this year. In 2013, 148 people were killed in car crashes and in 2012, 170 people died as the result of auto accidents. Of the 2012 accidents, only 14 were considered to be weather related. Even though this winter has been particularly bad as far as weather is concerned, again, it is a driver’s responsibility to take road conditions into account when behind the wheel.

Hopefully, by comparing numbers and determining what changes can be made within the transportation department, there will be a decrease in these accidents over time. For now, weather related or not, if car accidents occur and are caused by the negligence of one of the drivers, the victims of these accidents may be entitled to pursue civil claims against the person thought responsible for the crash. If liability is established, a North Dakota civil court could grant financial relief to the victims of these events.

Source: jamestownsun.com, Northeast North Dakota had most highway deaths in state this winter, Kevin Bonham, March 14, 2014.