North Dakota Traffic Fatalities Lowest In Five Years

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The number of people who died on North Dakota roadways last year was the lowest in five years.

Preliminary data released by the state Transportation Department and the Highway Patrol show 131 motor vehicle fatalities in 2015, down 3 percent from 2014 and the lowest number since 105 fatalities in 2010.

Transportation Director Grant Levi says "significant investments" in infrastructure in recent years might have helped save some lives. Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Michael Gerhart says motorists also need to be smart — driving sober, buckling up and slowing down.

About two-thirds of last year's fatalities involved people who were not wearing seat belts. More than one-third were alcohol-related, and more than one-fourth were speed-related. Three-fourths of the fatalities were North Dakota residents.