North Dakota is in the summer travel season and Vision Zero and law enforcement agencies across the state are reminding drivers that slowing down can save lives.

According to the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Division, extra patrols will be visible across North Dakota through Aug. 9 as part of the Speeding Slows You Down enforcement campaign. Participating law enforcement agencies will focus on speeding, aggressive driving and other dangerous behaviors that contribute to serious and fatal crashes.

The enforcement period falls within the “100 Days of Summer,” the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when communities across North Dakota are encouraged to make safe driving a priority. Historically, more people are killed on North Dakota roads during warm weather months than during colder months.

“Summer brings more vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians and families onto our roadways,” said Sheriff J.R. Kerzmann of the McLean County Sheriff’s Office. “Slowing down helps create a safer environment for everyone.”

In 2024, speeding and/or aggressive driving was a factor in 33% of fatal crashes in North Dakota. Of the 42 drivers involved in fatal crashes where speeding and/or aggressive driving was a contributing factor, 57% were between the ages of 18 and 44 and 76% were male.

– Speeding and aggressive driving behaviors include:

– Exceeding the posted speed limit.

– Driving too fast for road, traffic or weather conditions.

– Following other vehicles too closely.

– Making unsafe lane changes.

– Operating a vehicle in a reckless, negligent or aggressive manner.

Drivers are encouraged to make safety a habit this summer by following posted speed limits, eliminating distractions, driving sober and wearing a seat belt on every trip.

Nearly half of those killed in North Dakota crashes this year in which seat belts were available were not buckled. Every trip is an opportunity to make choices that protect yourself, your passengers and everyone else sharing the road.

The Speeding Slows You Down campaign is part of North Dakota’s Vision Zero strategy to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on North Dakota roads.