BISMARCK, N.D. - As the busy summer travel season winds down, the Highway Patrol has figures which show more people have died on state roadways this year.
Eighty-four people had been killed in crashes so far in 2017 compared to 73 victims at this point last year.
Patrol Lt. Michael Roark says the number of fatalities for those not wearing a seat belt has increased 25 percent. Roark says the northwest is the most deadly area of the state with Highway 85 South being one of the most dangerous roads.
Beginning Tuesday, law enforcement agencies across the state are participating in an enhanced month-long crackdown on texting and driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 3,477 people nationwide were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2015.
