North Dakota's roadways have seen a concerning increase in fatalities during 2026, with 59 recorded roadway deaths as of mid-August. This figure, according to data from Inforum and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), indicates a troubling trend for the state's drivers. The North Dakota Highway Patrol has reported that fatalities are trending higher this year, a stark contrast to the previous year, 2025, which saw a record low in traffic deaths. In 2025, the state recorded 85 traffic deaths, marking a 29-year low for North Dakota.
Several factors are cited as contributing to the deadlier conditions on North Dakota roads. These include the prevalence of rural highways, the necessity of long travel distances, a persistent lack of seatbelt use among some drivers, incidents of speeding, and the challenges posed by bad weather. While these elements collectively contribute to the overall issue, specific highways have been identified as recurring locations for serious incidents and fatalities. U.S. Highway 85 and U.S. Highway 2 are consistently noted as the most dangerous and deadly stretches of road in the state.
U.S. Highway 2, a significant east-west artery, traverses 358 miles through North Dakota, extending from the Montana border to Minnesota. Its path takes it through key cities such as Williston, Minot, and Grand Forks. Reports indicate that this particular stretch of highway experiences approximately 10 fatalities each year. So far in 2026, U.S. Highway 2 has already been the scene of four deaths.
Similarly, U.S. Highway 85 presents its own set of risks to motorists. This highway enters North Dakota from South Dakota near Bowman and extends northward through the state, heading towards the Canadian border. A primary reason for its elevated danger level, compared to other North Dakota roads, is its function as one of the main routes for commercial trucks serving the oil industry. In 2026, U.S. Highway 85 has recorded two deaths to date. In an effort to enhance safety, planning is currently underway for an expansion of U.S. Highway 85, which would involve widening a 62-mile section from two lanes to four. This project aims to make the highway a safer route for North Dakota drivers in the future.
Given the rising fatality numbers and the identified risks on these particular routes, travelers on any North Dakota road, and especially on U.S. Highway 85 and U.S. Highway 2, are urged to exercise extra caution.
