BISMARCK – Impact Teen Drivers, a national nonprofit that provides evidence-based education to help prevent vehicle crashes among teens, has honored Ryan Gellner with its National Community Champion Award.

Gellner, North Dakota’s Vision Zero Outreach Program director, received the award during the organization’s 2025 biennial luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 18. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership in advancing roadway safety through evidence-based strategies and community engagement.

“Ryan’s leadership reflects what this national award is intended to recognize,” said Kelly Browning, executive director of Impact Teen Drivers. “He understands that preventing serious injuries and fatalities requires proven education strategies, strong partnerships and shared roadway responsibility.”

Gellner said the award reflects the collective efforts of Vision Zero’s regional outreach coordinators across North Dakota.

“This recognition belongs to the entire team,” Gellner said. “Every conversation, school visit and partnership helps prevent tragedies on North Dakota roads. I am proud to work alongside people who are committed to putting evidence into action.”

The Vision Zero outreach coordinators play a vital role in reducing traffic crashes across the state. Their ongoing efforts include:

– Educational integration: Implementing Impact Teen Drivers curricula in schools statewide to address reckless and distracted driving.

– Student advocacy: Expanding Vision Zero Schools, a peer-to-peer program that empowers students to become traffic safety advocates in their schools and communities.

– Community outreach: Serving as liasons between the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), law enforcement and Vision Zero partners to tailor safety messaging for rural and urban areas.

– Direct engagement: Delivering traffic safety presentations, staffing community booths and coordinating demonstrations to encourage shared responsibility among drivers and passengers.

Through collaboration with the NDDOT Highway Safety Division, the outreach coordinators help advance Vision Zero statewide.