Traffic deaths are on the rise across North Dakota and the nation, but research shows that some states are more dangerous to drive in than others. Many different factors help determine how dangerous a state is for driving, including the percentage of drivers living in that state that have drunk driving offenses or car wrecks in their driving histories.
Insurify reports that North Dakota is among the most dangerous states for driving. In fact, estimates suggest that North Dakota is going to be the sixth-most-dangerous state to drive in 2023, trailing only behind Colorado, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Washington and Ohio.
Why North Dakota ranks so high for driving danger
North Dakota received a dangerous driving score of 80.3 out of 100, and there were several reasons this was the case. For starters, about 13% of those driving on North Dakota’s roads are doing so without car insurance. On top of that, almost 7% of North Dakota drivers have at-fault accidents in their driving histories, and another 2.3% of drivers have convictions for drunk driving.
What state officials are doing about it
The North Dakota Department of Transportation Highway Safety Division is taking steps to lower the number of people dying on state roadways. Most fatal car accidents in the state involve speeding, driving under the influence or drivers or passengers failing to wear seat belts. As a result, state law enforcement agencies are stepping up their enforcement of associated laws. The state also implemented a Vision Zero Plan in 2018 that sought to reduce road fatalities by increasing enforcement and targeting impaired drivers, specifically.
When a driver or passenger suffers a serious injury because of the actions of another motorist, the injured party may, depending on circumstances, have grounds for a personal injury case.