North Dakota Highway Patrol reports slower drivers

BISMARCK (AP) — North Dakota’s Highway Patrol commander says troopers report drivers are slowing down on the interstates in North Dakota, possibly due to high gas prices. But troopers say speeding citations are up on other highways in the state.

AAA says the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in North Dakota is less than a penny below the $4 milestone and will likely move above that over the weekend.

Highway Patrol commander Col. Mark Nelson said troopers have issued 400 fewer citations from March to May this year compared with the same period last year on the interstates.

But Nelson said the trend is not the same on roads with a 55 mph, 65 mph, or 70 mph speed limit. He said troopers have issued more speeding tickets from March through May on those roads across the state compared with last year.

Patrol Lt. Mike Gerhart said troopers issued 1,864 speeding tickets on the interstates from March through May, compared with 2,257 for the same period last year.

But 8,942 drivers got a speeding ticket in all speed zones on state highway from March through May, compared with 8,437 a year ago, Gerhart said. Troopers don’t have an explanation for the why some drivers seem to be driving slower on interstates but faster on secondary highways, he said.

“Quite honestly, I’m not sure,” Gerhart said. “Our patrol tactics haven’t changed, but maybe the perception is on the interstate, people believe they’re using more gas when they are driving 75.”

The price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in North Dakota on Friday was $3.99, compared with the national average of $4.06, AAA North Dakota said.

The auto club said that with the increasing cost of crude, it’s likely that North Dakota motorists will soon join consumers in 28 other states who are paying above $4 a gallon.

Tags: highwaypatrol, gas, energy, speeding