In North Dakota, not wearing a seat belt continues to be the number one contributing factor of motor vehicle crash fatalities. Seat belts restrain occupants in the vehicle’s designed protective space, giving them room to live in the event of a crash and prevents them from colliding with other occupants in the vehicle. A seat belt also keeps the driver correctly positioned behind the wheel to help maintain control of a vehicle. Seat belts are the single most effective safety device to prevent death and injury in a motor vehicle crash.
Alcohol and drug-related crashes and arrests are 100% preventable. Many lives would be saved in North Dakota each year if every driver consistently makes the choice to always drive sober or to designate a sober driver. Yet 240 people have died in alcohol-related crashes in North Dakota over the past 5 years. Alcohol is a factor in about 42% of fatal crashes in North Dakota annually.
Composing, reading, or sending any electronic message or using a communications device to access the Internet while driving is illegal in North Dakota for drivers of all ages, and is punishable with a fine of $100. The law applies to any driver of a vehicle in a traffic lane, even while stopped at a red light or in a construction zone. Additionally, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any electronic communications devices, including cell phones, unless in an emergency.
NDDOT announces the implementation of Safety Corridors on two North Dakota highways. A Safety Corridor is a designated section of existing highway that will include enhanced safety features and an increase in law enforcement to remind drivers they are responsible for obeying all traffic laws and posted speed limits. The designated highways include a 14-mile stretch on Highway 85 from Watford City to ND 68; and a 35-mile stretch on Highway 52 from Brooks Junction to Velva.
"Good enough" is not good enough when installing your car seat. Find a car seat checkup event in your area to make sure you're using the correct seat for your child's age, weight and height, it's installed correctly, and your child is secured as per the car seat instructions.
Speeding and/or aggressive driving is defined as speeding, driving too fast for conditions, following too close, or operating a vehicle in a reckless, negligent or aggressive manor. In 2019, speeding and/or aggressive driving was a factor in 29% of fatal crashes in North Dakota.
The goal of zero fatalities is not only attainable, but also vital. When it comes to your life, or the lives of your family and friends, is any other number acceptable? We’re aiming for zero fatalities because every life matters.
An online space to safely honor someone you love wholost their life on a North Dakota road.
Do you have a traffic safety message you would like to see on the digital signs along the interstate? Then submit your suggestion here!