Law enforcement across the state continue their heightened enforcement efforts for seat belt violations as the statewide Click it or Ticket campaign continues until August 11. This enforcement campaign coincides with the North Dakota State Fair that begins this week in Minot.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation reminds all vehicle occupants to take personal responsibility when traveling by wearing their seat belts, every trip, every time – including when they travel to the State Fair.

“So far in 2019 we’ve seen an increased number of vehicle fatalities on our state roadways compared to last year, with an alarming number of those fatalities not wearing their seat belts,” said Karin Mongeon, Safety Division director with the NDDOT. “As more vehicles travel during the summer, we want to continue to stress that wearing your seat belt can save your life.”

In 2019 there have been 53 fatalities compared to 41 at this time last year. Of the fatalities that were seat belt eligible, nearly 66% were not wearing their seat belts. Almost 40% of these fatalities involved alcohol and 25% were speed related.

Vision Zero is North Dakota’s strategy to achieve zero motor vehicle fatalities and serious injuries on North Dakota roads.