BISMARCK Preliminary reports indicate that North Dakota had 98 motor vehicle fatalities in 2019 a total that, if it goes unchanged, would be the first time in 17 years the state has recorded fewer than 100 traffic fatalities. Gov. Doug Burgum thanked the agencies involved in the Vision Zero traffic safety initiative for making a difference and expanding their efforts during the past year.

Since the comprehensive Vision Zero initiative was launched in 2018 by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), Highway Patrol and Department of Health, traffic fatalities in the state have decreased from 116 in 2017 to 105 in 2018 to a preliminary total of 98 in 2019, which would be the lowest total since 97 traffic fatalities were recorded in 2002. It will take up to 30 days to finalize the 2019 total as crash reports and investigations are completed.

This past year, Vision Zero was expanded with additional safety measures including more highway safety engineering systems, law enforcement equipment and programs; the establishment of highway safety corridors; crash data improvements and dashboards; and Vision Zero Schools, a new peer-to-peer program in high schools.

Of the 98 motor vehicle fatalities in 2019, 42 percent were alcohol-related and 25 percent were speed-related. Victims ranged in age from 3 years old to 93 years old, and 83 percent were North Dakota residents. By mode of transportation, 74 of the fatalities were in a passenger vehicle, 11 were motorcyclists, five were pedestrians, four were on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and two were bicyclists. One fatality involved a train and 14 involved commercial motor vehicles.

Vision Zeros ongoing success requires strong partnerships and buy-in from the public, said Col. Brandon Solberg, superintendent of the Highway Patrol.

If every driver and passenger chooses to buckle up, and every driver obeys speed limits and traffic laws and drives sober, the vast majority of traffic fatalities would be eliminated. Preventable human behavior contributes to 94 percent of motor vehicle crashes. Personal responsibility is the foundation of Vision Zero.

Vision Zero continues to educate through various mediums about the importance of passenger safety and dangers of speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving, including a new Not Funny campaign that stresses the importance of always driving sober or finding a sober ride.

Parents play a vital role in keeping their children safe on the road, no matter the age, State Health Officer Mylynn Tufte said. Parents should talk often with their young drivers about alcohol, lack of seat belt use, distracted driving, speeding, and driving with passengers. Young children should always be buckled in a car seat that is installed correctly and appropriate for their age and size.

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ND ends 2019 with fewer than 100 reported traffic fatalities - Wahpeton Daily News