North Dakota – The North Dakota Highway Patrol reported a DUI-related crash early in the morning in Bowman County after a driver crossed into the opposite lane of traffic on Highway 12 near mile marker 52.

According to officials, the crash occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. Mountain Time when the driver entered the oncoming lane and collided with another vehicle before continuing into a nearby field. The other driver was able to swerve at the last moment, avoiding what troopers said could have been a head-on collision.

The impaired driver was arrested for driving under the influence after providing a preliminary breath test reading of 0.152%. Authorities said the driver sustained minor injuries. The other motorist involved was not injured.

Officials noted that the quick reaction of the sober driver helped prevent a potentially more serious crash.

“A split second and another driver’s quick reaction made the difference between a crash with minor injuries and one that could have had a much different outcome,” the agency stated.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol emphasized that impaired driving remains a preventable danger and urged motorists to plan ahead if they intend to drink alcohol. Authorities reiterated that even a single decision to drive under the influence can have serious and life-altering consequences.