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Bismarck, N.D. (AP) The Highway Patrol says North Dakota has nearly 20 more highway deaths through the first six months of the year than in 2008.

The patrol says 60 people have died in crashes on state roads through June, compared with 41 last year.

Patrol Lt. Jody Skogen says the crashes are scattered throughout the state and could be due to a number of factors, including more traffic, lower Gasoline Prices and a lack of seat belt use.

Information from: KNOX-AM, http://knoxradio.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-02-09 1302CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list