Bismarck, N.D. (AP) North Dakota Highway Patrol troopers will be out in force during the July 4th holiday weekend.

Last year, the state reported one traffic fatality over the holiday. But for the year so far, North Dakota is well ahead of 2008.

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

Lt. Jody Skogen says the reasons could range from more people driving to more drivers failing to pay attention.

Skogen said the fatal crashes happened throughout the state. And alcohol continues to be a factor in about 50 percent of the fatal crashes.

In Cass County, Sgt. DuWayne Nitschke says road repairs may even help hold down injury crashes by forcing people to slow down or take other routes.

In Ward County, where oil-related traffic has increased, Sheriff's Capt. Todd Keller reports 130 traffic accidents so far this year compared with 78 last year. He says it's probably a case if drivers just not paying attention to their surroundings.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-02-09 1942CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list