North Dakota 2008 Crash Summary

NHTSA · 2008 · ROSA P / North Dakota. Dept. of Transportation

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Summary

The North Dakota 2008 Crash Summary, produced by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), analyzes traffic safety trends and crash statistics for the state in 2008. The report aims to identify factors contributing to crashes, injuries, and fatalities to guide safety programs and reduce traffic-related harm. The data is derived from crash reports completed by law enforcement officers for incidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Additional data sources include the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the Office of the Attorney General, the State Toxicologist, and the Division of Emergency Medical Services. Private property and non-traffic crashes are excluded. In 2008, North Dakota recorded 16,387 total traffic crashes, resulting in 97 fatalities and 4,141 injuries. The state’s fatality rate was 1.37 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, slightly higher than the national rate of 1.28. Traffic deaths decreased compared to previous years, with speed-related fatal crashes dropping by 26.8 percent. Alcohol was a factor in 50.96 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities, with Sunday showing the highest rate of alcohol-related fatal crashes. Seat belt usage remained steady at 81.6 percent. The report highlights that 86.6 percent of fatal crashes occurred in rural areas, and December saw the highest number of total crashes. Key contributing factors to fatal crashes included following too closely, improper overtaking, and driving left of center. Speed and driving too fast for conditions were the primary factors for teenage drivers, while failure to yield was the leading factor for drivers aged 65 and older. Motorcycle crashes saw a helmet usage rate of 32.7 percent among drivers involved. Pedestrian and pedalcycle crashes were also analyzed, with eight pedestrians killed and 89 pedalcyclists injured. Deer-vehicle collisions were frequent, occurring every 2.4 hours. The estimated economic loss due to motor vehicle crashes in 2008 was $478,345,200. The significance of this report lies in its comprehensive breakdown of crash demographics and contributing factors, providing actionable insights for targeted safety interventions. By identifying high-risk groups, such as teenage and older drivers, and prevalent issues like alcohol impairment and seat belt non-use, the NDDOT can tailor educational and enforcement programs. The data supports efforts to improve occupant protection, reduce alcohol-related incidents, and enhance safety for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and motorcyclists. This annual summary serves as a critical resource for policymakers, public health officials, and safety specialists in North Dakota.

Key finding

North Dakota recorded 111 traffic fatalities and 4,141 injured persons in 4,247 total crashes in 2008, with 86.6 percent of fatal crashes occurring in rural areas.

Methodology

dataset

Provenance

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Topics

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• incidence prevalence
• demographic disparities
• comparative international
• fatality injury trends

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: crash risk outcomes