BISMARCK, N.D (NewsDakota.com) – Preliminary data from the first six months of 2022 shows that nearly 67% of motor vehicle fatalities were unbelted where seat belts were present in the vehicle.

Lauren Bjork is the Safety Public Information Program Manager for the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

Bjork says fatal crashes are more prominent in the summer time with the variety of activities that are available.

She adds as travel increases, it is vital to take a moment to buckle up and take any preventative measures when getting in the vehicle.

NDDOT reports traffic fatalities are also trending down in 2022 compared to previous years.

Other statistics provided by the NDDOT include:

• 18 fatalities were lane departure-related, a decrease of nearly 31% from the same period in 2021.
• 12 fatalities were speed-related, a decrease of 29% from the same period in 2021.
• 10 fatalities were motorcyclists, an increase of nearly 67% from the same period in 2021.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Lauren Bjork below: