North Dakota Traffic Deaths Have Increased in 2026, Compared to Previous Years

(KNOX) – There have been at least 40 people killed in traffic crashes North Dakota so far in 2026. That’s a significant jump from 27 deaths at this point last year and 25 during the same period in 2024.

Highway Safety Officials says about half of those killed this year weren’t wearing seat belts when one was available. People who don’t buckle up are much more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash.

Officers across the state wrote more than 3,600 tickets during May’s Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign. The citations included 2,536 for seat belt violations and 31 for child restraint violations. Police also ticketed 400 drivers for speeding, 23 for distracted driving and arrested seven people for DUI.

The enforcement campaign started during of the 100 Days of Summer, the stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day, as more people are on the road. North Dakota will typically see more traffic deaths during warmer months than in winter.