Bismarck area leads in 2008 crashes

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — It's a top ranking Bismarck might not be so proud of.

Transportation Department figures show Bismarck was the leader among North Dakota's largest cities last year in the number of vehicle crashes per 1,000 people. It had 34.

Minot was next with 26.7 crashes per 1,000 people last year.

And Burleigh County led the state's counties in the highest number of crashes per million vehicle miles, with 4.28. Ward was the next highest county, with 3.01 crashes per million vehicle miles traveled.

Cass County and Fargo had more total crashes than Burleigh County and Bismarck, but lower crash rates per capita and by million vehicle miles traveled.

Bismarck Police Officer Kevin Huber says he's seen many distracted drivers — some talking or texting on cell phones or reading novels over the steering wheel. He also says many people drive too fast.

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