RURAL ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK

EVERY MILE COUNTS ON NORTH DAKOTA’S RURAL ROADS

July 13th–17th, 2026 marks Rural Road Safety Awareness Week (RRSAW), an annual campaign led by the National Center for Rural Road Safety to highlight the unique safety challenges found on rural roadways.

This year’s theme, “The Rural Modes,” recognizes the many ways people travel on rural roads, from passenger vehicles and motorcycles to commercial trucks, farm equipment, bicycles, pedestrians, and more. No matter how you travel, we all share the responsibility of making every trip a safe one.

For North Dakotans, rural roads are more than just highways, they connect our farms, ranches, businesses, schools, and communities. Whether you’re hauling grain during harvest, commuting to work, or heading to the lake for the weekend, every mile matters.

This year’s video game-inspired campaign encourages everyone to make every mile count toward achieving rural road safety. Here are the daily themes:

SEE THE FULL LINEUP HERE

COMMON HAZARDS ON NORTH DAKOTA’S RURAL ROADS

Lane Departure Crashes

One of the greatest dangers on North Dakota’s rural highways is leaving your lane. Whether caused by distraction, fatigue, speeding, or impaired driving, lane departure crashes often occur at higher speeds and frequently result in serious injuries or fatalities.

According to North Dakota Vision Zero, nearly 70% of fatal crashes in 2024 involved a lane departure, making it one of the leading causes of fatal crashes across the state.

Gravel Roads

Loose gravel can reduce traction and increase stopping distance. Reduce your speed and avoid sudden steering or braking.

Wildlife

Deer and other wildlife are common throughout North Dakota, especially during dawn and dusk. Stay alert and scan both sides of the roadway.

Weather

North Dakota weather can change quickly. Rain, fog, snow, ice, and strong winds can all create hazardous driving conditions. Slow down and adjust your driving to match the conditions.

Commercial Trucks

Commercial trucks play an essential role in moving North Dakota’s agricultural products and supplies. Give trucks plenty of room, avoid lingering in blind spots, and allow extra distance when passing or merging.

SAFE DRIVING STARTS WITH YOU

Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or working in a rural area, keep these tips in mind:

✅ Slow down — especially on gravel or unfamiliar roads.
✅ Stay alert for tractors, livestock, and wildlife.
✅ Never pass on curves, hills, or when visibility is limited.
✅ Wear your seatbelt — always.
✅ Put your phone away and avoid distractions.
✅ Use headlights — even during the day, for visibility.
✅ Be patient behind farm equipment. They’ll often pull over when safe.

HOW THE NORTH DAKOTA SAFETY COUNCIL CAN HELP

The North Dakota Safety Council is committed to helping drivers build lifelong safe driving habits through education and training.

Whether you’re a new driver, experienced motorist, fleet operator, or employer, NDSC offers driver safety programs designed to reduce crashes and improve decision-making behind the wheel, including:

Investing in driver education not only helps protect yourself, it also helps create safer roads for your family, coworkers, and communities.

EVERY MILE COUNTS

This Rural Road Safety Awareness Week, take a moment to think about the choices you make behind the wheel.

Slow down. Stay alert. Buckle up. Put distractions away. Show patience when sharing the road with farmers, truck drivers, bicyclists, and other travelers.

Together, we can continue working toward a future where every North Dakotan arrives home safely.

*Sources: National Center for Rural Road Safety: https://ruralsafetycenter.org/rural-road-safety-awareness-week/
Vision Zero: https://www.visionzero.nd.gov/news/vision-zero-highlights-dangers-lane-departure-crashes