BISMARCK, N.D. (Vision Zero) – Vision Zero has released its year-end crash data, and, unfortunately, traffic deaths increased in 2023 when compared to 2022. There were 3,640 traffic injuries and 107 traffic deaths as of December 23.
The leading factors were people not wearing seatbelts, lane departures, speeding and alcohol.
Vision Zero’s safety managers say there are ways to prevent these incidents. “Getting those seat belts used, of course, impaired driving, distracted driving, those are things we tackle every single year. And those are things we can all do and take personal responsibility for to eliminate some of these crashes and fatalities,” said Lauren Wahlman with Vision Zero.
Vision Zero will release finalized data on traffic crashes near the end of January.
In North Dakota in 2022, one heavy vehicle-related crash occurred nearly every 12 hours. A majority of these crashes occur in cold weather months (October-March) and in rural areas.
Heavy trucks include single unit trucks (2-axle or 3-axle), truck tractors (bobtail, semi-trailer, doubles and triples) and trucks greater than 10,000 lbs.
“In 2022, motor vehicle crashes involving heavy trucks resulted in 23 fatalities in North Dakota. Understanding safe driving habits around heavy vehicles is the responsibility of all drivers,” said Highway Safety Division Director Karin Mongeon.
Motorists can follow these additional tips to share the road with large vehicles:
Drive defensively – Pay attention to vehicle locations, traffic flow, vehicle signals and weather so you can anticipate problems and have plenty of time to react.
Avoid blind spots – Large vehicles have extensive blind spots on both sides. If you can’t see the driver’s face in their side-view mirror, they can’t see you.
Pass safely, or not at all – Large vehicles need twice the time and space to stop as smaller passenger vehicles. When changing lanes in front of large vehicles, allow one vehicle length for every 10 mph you are traveling (70 mph = 7 car lengths).
Pay close attention – Never cross behind a truck that’s backing up. Truck drivers don’t have a rearview mirror and therefore may not see you behind them.
Avoid the “squeeze play” – Truck and bus drivers sometimes need to swing wide to the left to safely make a right turn. They can’t see vehicles squeezing in between them and the curb. Watch for their turn signals and give them room to turn.
In 2022, 66% of heavy vehicle-related crashes were single vehicle crashes and 13% were rear-end crashes. Additionally, 21% happened at an intersection or were intersection-related, 22% were rollover crashes and 31% were speed-related.
Learn more about traffic safety initiatives at VisionZero.ND.gov or join the conversation on the Vision Zero ND Facebook or X page.