ndhp(CSi)  Troopers with the North Dakota Highway Patrol responded to 209 crashes from December 1st-31st, 2013 in the Southeast Region of the NDHP. The Southeast Region encompasses the following fifteen counties: Traill, Cass, Richland, Steele, Barnes, Ransom, Sargent, Griggs, Stutsman, LaMoure, Dickey, Eddy, Foster, Logan and McIntosh Counties. Of the 209 crashes, 178 were property damage only and 31 were injury crashes. Luckily, no fatal crashes occurred.

Over the last five years, the NDHP has averaged 110 crashes investigated in the month of December within the Southeast Region. December 2013 was an abnormally busy month compared to other years.

147 of the 209 crashes occurred in Cass County, with 126 crashes occurring in the Fargo metro area on I94 between Exit 343 and the Red River Bridge and I29 between Exit 60 and Exit 69.

Motorists continue to drive too fast for conditions, accelerate too quickly while merging into traffic, follow too close, utilize their cruise control and speed on the icy road conditions.

We urge motorists to slow down, take the cruise control off, increase their following distances, safely merge into traffic, and to wear their seat belt. Motorits should always be prepared for changing road conditions, especially during out winter months and to utilize the NDDOT Travel Information Map or to call 511 before leaving on a trip.