North Dakota may seem like a tranquil place to take road vacations because of its large prairies and welcoming residents.
But beneath its peaceful exterior is a horrifying secret that has the power to transform a leisurely trip into a perilous experience.
The disturbing reality of North Dakota’s roadways and the hazards that lie in wait along their routes will be revealed in this article.
Here’s Why You Need to Be Extra Cautious?
As you speed through North Dakota on I-95, all you want is for the journey to come to an end. The scenery is flat as far as the eye can view, and you’re traveling at a respectable 80 mph (the interstate speed limit is 75).
It’s unbelievable that there are still 118 miles left to travel to your destination, so you check your GPS once again as the Bismarck suburbs fade into the distance.
You feel like you’ve been driving for ages, but you’re eager to see the underappreciated Midwest National Park, which has stunning animals and fewer visitors.
Then you notice that the highway shoulder’s emergency lights are flashing.
A few of cruisers, a rescue truck, and two ordinary automobiles laying at strange angles with their sides crushed from a high-speed collision are all familiar to you.
The road is littered. Thankful to see the drivers standing there, chatting on their phones, and surrounded by emergency personnel, you slow down and give this collision plenty of space. Everybody appears to be in good health.
But chances are you’ve witnessed accidents on this desolate route before. It’s highly likely that you have observed a few collisions or at least evidence of car trouble.
For what reason? Visitors should keep in mind that North Dakota has a low driver safety rating as they travel across the state.
Brave drivers, far-off roads
98 people were killed in 10,734 auto accidents in 2022 alone, according to the North Dakota Department of Transportation. These numbers were actually lower than in prior years.
That may not seem like much, but consider that North Dakota has a population of only approximately 780,000 people throughout the state, which is less than, say, Columbus, Ohio.
Read Also: Marilyn Monroe’s Haunted Hotel: Where Halloween Meets Hollywood Glam
Easy safety measures for an amazing trip across the Midwest
North Dakota has received such low ratings for a variety of reasons. For starters, North Dakota is one of the most rural states in the union, with a population density of just quite 10 persons per square mile.
The distance you may go without seeing a town, a patrolman, or even a passing large rig is obvious to anyone who has ever driven through this region of the Midwest.
Additionally, the oil and gas sector has drawn large numbers of newcomers who must adjust to new roads and driving habits. In addition, there are the notorious winters, when whiteouts and black ice are commonplace.
Road travelers can also expect to travel vast miles between major cities. It makes perfect sense for North Dakotans to drive for hours before pulling over out here.
Read Also: The Mysterious Land of Oz: A Once-Abandoned Park That Haunts Once a Year
The repetition may put you to sleep at the wheel or perhaps induce highway hypnosis if you’re not accustomed to all those level horizons. For this reason, it’s crucial to limit the amount of time spent driving during a road trip to a specific number of hours each day.
After all, North Dakota is plenty with amazing people and sights to explore, so don’t let a few careless drivers ruin your trip.
Explore: The Terrifying Reason To Be Extra Alert While Road Tripping Through North Dakota
Leave a Reply