The news in North Dakota isn't all good, even though we like to hear often about our economic diversity and stability. But last week we learned state highway deaths dramatically increased in the first six months of 2009 over the same period in 2008. The jump went from 41 to 60.

"We might have more vehicles on the road, more people traveling with the lower gas prices (compared with last year)," Highway Patrol Lt. Jody Skogen said. "Or we're seeing an increase in just drivers who are making mistakes that are turning out to be quite costly."

That was not a statement based on systematic scientific evaluation. It should be noted that the year-over-year number of road miles traveled in the state has remained relatively stable since 2006. But Skogen is right that drivers are making more costly mistakes. For instance, the percentage of fatalities resulting from alcohol-related crashes was near 50 percent in the past two years ending in 2008. The national average was 35 percent and the best state average was under 19 percent.

Getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking greatly enhances a driver's chances of making a fatal mistake. The shape of North Dakota roads, because of oil and other industry-related heavy rigs, along with flood damage, is likely a contributing factor. But here's the real worry point - or one we should research further.

The number of traffic fatalities across the nation in 2008 was at the lowest level since 1961 and the national deaths in 2009 are also declining - but not in North Dakota.

Year after year, North Dakota has a significantly higher number of traffic fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled than the other states. In 2007, for instance, North Dakota was at 0.68, compared to 0.43 for the nation and 0.21 for the best state - in alcohol-impaired traffic deaths. The all-fatalities rate (alcohol or non-alcohol) for North Dakota was 1.42, compared to 1.36 for the nation.

In 2008, there were 66 single vehicle fatalities in North Dakota, 20 involving a large truck, 27 from speeding, 45 rollovers, 55 roadway departures and 17 at intersections. The top counties for fatalities in 2008 were Ward (8), McKenzie and Richland (7 each), Mountrail (6) and Burleigh, Cass and Grand Forks (5 each).

The Legislature took action with two bills in the last session (HB1219) and (HB1306) directed toward drunken accidents and sobriety programs. These are good steps, even if baby ones.

But the real answer is individual education and responsibility.

It doesn't matter how many times it is said, it can't be said enough, and Lt. Michael Gerhart of the Highway Patrol once again recently said it best: "¦ Make the right choice, don't drink and drive, and always buckle up."