North Dakota is ranked among the safest states for motorists in the Country. According to the 2021 IIHS report, the state had the fifth-lowest number of fatal crashes. The state’s improved road infrastructure and strict road safety regulations are among the reasons that contribute to the low number of fatalities related to traffic collisions.
According to North Dakota’s crash report, the major cause of traffic fatalities is alcohol-related. Speeding and aggressive driving are also among the top factors that lead to high road fatalities in the state. The state also emphasizes the importance of staying within a driving lane, as most accidents occur during lane departure.
Some roads in North Dakota are notorious for high rates of car crashes, resulting in fatalities. These roads include:
In case of a traffic crash in North Dakota, vehicle operators should follow these procedures to prevent further injury and property damage:
After a collision, drivers should find a safe way to move the vehicle to the shoulder of the road or any other safe zone to prevent blocking traffic and secondary accidents from happening.
Secondly, vehicle operators should turn on their hazard lights immediately. Traffic control devices should also be put up a safe distance away from the scene. This should help other drivers proceed with caution as they approach the crash site.
Motorists should always remain at the scene of a crash after it happens. Individuals should stay at the site until law enforcement arrives or the parties exchange information.
After an accident, it is crucial to check if anyone has sustained an injury. In case a person is seriously injured, they should not be moved, but rather, a medical emergency team should be alerted immediately.
The state requires that any accidents that result in bodily injury, death, or property damage worth $4,000 or more be reported immediately to law enforcement.
After an accident, drivers are required to give out their information to the other party. This includes names, addresses, vehicle registration, insurance, and driving license information. If the car does not belong to the driver, they must provide the owner's name, address, and telephone number.
Additionally, it is important to take photos of the crash. The images can be helpful to investigate the cause of the collision or to show pre-existing damage to vehicles.
Drivers should seek legal counsel after an accident to ensure that they are represented when filing for insurance claims or during a trial.
An individual can also file an insurance claim for compensation after an accident.
It is always good practice to keep a record of any documents regarding the accident. This can include medical records, crash reports, and insurance records.
North Dakota State has strict laws and regulations that ensure road safety for every individual. These laws include:
Seatbelt LawAll vehicle occupants in North Dakota are required to wear seat belts at all times when the car is moving.
The state requires anyone under 18 to be adequately restrained, regardless of where they are sitting in the car.
North Dakota requires all children aged eight and below to be secured in a booster or car seat.
Impaired DrivingThe state prohibits driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of more than .08% for drivers over the age of 21.
Commercial vehicle operators should have a BAC below .04%.
Drivers under 21 should have a BAC level below .02%.
North Dakota prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle under the influence of any controlled substance.
Teenage Driving LawsIn North Dakota, teenagers aged 14 can get an instruction permit to drive on the road legally. A driver must pass a written and visual test before getting an instruction permit.
An adult aged 18 or older must supervise a driver with an instruction permit at all times when they are behind the wheel. Additionally, the adult must have a valid driving license and three years of driving experience.
A driver must hold an instruction permit for six months before getting a restricted license. Drivers must also accumulate 50 hours of supervised driving experience in varied weather conditions, different roads, and nighttime driving.
Teenagers aged 16 are eligible for a restricted driving license.
Drivers under 16 cannot operate a vehicle between sunset (9:00 p.m.) and sunrise (5:00 a.m.)
Drag Racing LawsThe state prohibits drivers from participating in exhibition driving or drag racing on any street, highway, alley, sidewalk, or parking lot.
Distracted Driving LawThe state prohibits drivers from using handheld devices to read, send texts, or browse the internet while operating a vehicle. This also includes when the car is temporarily stopped at a red light or a stop sign.
However, the state permits drivers to use hands-free devices like headsets or Bluetooth while they are driving.
Vehicle operators under 18 are prohibited from using any communication devices, including hands-free devices.
Lane CampingOn a multilane highway, drivers are expected to always stay on the right lane unless overtaking. The state requires any vehicle on the left lane to move faster than those on the right.
MotorcyclistsThe state's legal motorcycle riding age is 14 years.
Teenagers under 16 can only operate motorcycles with an engine capacity of 250 CCs or less.
North Dakota also mandates that motorcycle operators under 18 wear helmets. Likewise, any passenger carried by these drivers must also wear a helmet regardless of age.
Vehicle Insurance LawsNorth Dakota requires that vehicles on the road have minimum liability insurance coverage. This provides financial protection for drivers in the event of an accident.
Move Over LawThe state requires all drivers to move over to the opposite lane if they are approaching an emergency, police, or utility vehicles on the road with their warning lights activated.
If the driver cannot change lanes, they should cautiously slow down and approach and pass the vehicle.
Though North Dakota has the same traffic laws as most states in the country, some unusual and weird regulations are only present in the state. These traffic laws include:
People riding animals
Drivers and other motorists must give the right of way to people riding animals or driving an animal-drawn vehicle.
It is illegal to hitchhike.
The state prohibits pedestrians from soliciting rides along the road. This law was passed to protect pedestrians from collisions and prevent accidents.
Removing snow on the road
In the city of Bismarck, it is illegal to blow or shovel snow into the street. The law is meant to safeguard motorists on snowy days.
Riding with pets in the car
Though no laws require pets to be restrained in a car, drivers can get a citation if the animal causes distraction or disturbance while driving.
Driving with studded tires
It is legal to drive in North Dakota with studded tires between October 15 and April 15 every year when it is snowing.