Park River First to Receive Vision Zero Community Designation
For Immediate Release: Aug 01 2018
Park River, ND - Park River has been named the first North Dakota Vision Zero Community. Vision Zero is North Dakota’s strategy to eliminate motor vehicle crash fatalities and serious injuries.
Today’s announcement is from officials representing the lead Vision Zero agencies - the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) and the North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) - as part of Walsh County Road Day hosted by the North Dakota State University Local Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP).
Park River was motivated to enhance traffic safety efforts after two fatal crashes occurred in their area. The NDDOT and Park River officials engaged community safety professionals in a meeting to discuss safety solutions earlier this year. “Park River’s mobilization to improve safety is a significant factor in our decision to select them as North Dakota’s first Vision Zero Community,” said Tom Sorel, NDDOT Director.
As a Vision Zero Community, Park River agrees to work toward zero motor vehicle crash fatalities and serious injuries in the community. Park River will develop a coalition to implement evidence-based strategies proven to reduce motor vehicle crashes including: widespread public education/outreach; implementing policies that support driver and passenger safety; high visibility enforcement of existing laws; technology advancements; and infrastructure/road safety improvements.
This designation will allow Park River to receive technical assistance and support through the lead Vision Zero agencies and other Vision Zero partners to achieve the zero goal.
“We don’t want to lose another community member to a motor vehicle crash. We look forward to working toward the zero goal and appreciate the assistance we will receive through Vision Zero partners to do this,” said Park River Mayor Dan Stenvold.
A sign recognizing Park River as a Vision Zero Community will be placed near city entrance areas.
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