More Traffic Accidents | Video

Alex Hagan | 8/14/2012

There is plenty of traffic across the state, and now with more road work, drivers are finding roads to be a little dangerous.

"You just are more aware of it when you go any place. You avoid construction areas if you can just to stay out of the mix," said Dickinson resident Karen Walton.

As of this month, the state of North Dakota has had 76 fatal crashes resulting in a total of 88 deaths. That has law enforcement busier than usual.

"Just the increase in traffic has led to you know issues where people want to pass more and get around things," said Chris Messer with the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

The Stark County Sheriff`s Department says their total number of traffic accidents is up by 16 already from last year.

"We`ve had about 305 calls for service in July, greater than what we had in June," said Sheriff Clarence Tuhy.

For the Highway Patrol, there are certain areas with a significant increase.

"We`ve been getting quite a few like head on collisions and that type of thing where people are passing where they shouldn`t be," Messer said.

Although the Highway Patrol and the Stark County Sheriff`s department say there has been an increase in traffic accidents. Law enforcement say taking the necessary precautions can make all the difference.

"Slow down, get there safely, that`s the biggest thing. Wear your seatbelt, that`s the number one things," Messer said.

Many residents are already making sure they drive safely with more people out on the road.

"You just take the extra time to get to where you`re going to go. It`s just not as convenient as it was when there was fewer of us here," Walton said.

However with the infrastructure issues and more drivers, law enforcement says the number of accidents will likely only increase.

Father Patrick Moore of Richardton died in a head-on collision just last Friday. His funeral was held at the St. Mary`s Catholic Church in New England today.

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