Law enforcement agencies across North Dakota issued a total of 622 citations during a dedicated enforcement campaign focused on distracted driving last month. The "Put the Phone Away or Pay" campaign ran from September 1 to September 30, targeting dangerous driving behaviors that contribute to preventable crashes and fatalities on state roads, including those in Burleigh and Morton counties.
Of the total citations issued, a significant portion — 289 — were specifically for distracted driving offenses. This highlights the ongoing challenge posed by drivers not fully attending to the road. In addition to these, officers also issued 141 citations for speeding and 33 for individuals failing to wear a seat belt. The month-long enforcement period also resulted in four arrests for driving under the influence, further underscoring the range of unsafe behaviors addressed by law enforcement during the campaign.
Officials emphasize that distracted driving citations, as well as the crashes and fatalities associated with such behavior, are largely preventable. Drivers have a critical role to play in reducing these risks. Before beginning any trip, drivers are encouraged to proactively minimize potential distractions. This includes setting their navigation system, choosing their music or audio entertainment, and crucially, placing their mobile phone out of immediate reach to avoid temptation. Once behind the wheel and driving, a driver’s full and undivided attention should remain on the road and the essential task of driving safely.
The strategy employed during the September campaign was described as "high visibility enforcement." This approach involves visible and coordinated patrols specifically designed to deter dangerous driving behaviors by making the law enforcement presence obvious to drivers. The aim is to remind drivers of the constant need for vigilance and adherence to traffic laws, thereby enhancing overall road safety for everyone traveling on North Dakota’s roadways, including those commuting in and around Bismarck and Mandan.
Traffic fatalities and serious injuries on the state's roads are largely preventable, according to authorities. This prevention hinges significantly on drivers and passengers taking personal responsibility for their actions and choices while in a vehicle. Key responsibilities include consistently wearing a seat belt, ensuring that children are properly secured in appropriate car seats according to their age and size, actively choosing to drive without distractions, always driving sober, and strictly following all posted speed limits. These collective efforts are vital for fostering a safer driving environment for all residents across North Dakota.
