Just Drive: A Message for North Dakota Drivers
Every April, Distracted Driving Awareness Month serves as a critical reminder: safe driving requires your full attention. In North Dakota, distracted driving continues to be one of the most preventable, yet persistent, causes of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on our roads.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Distracted driving is not just a national issue; it’s happening right here in North Dakota.
- In 2024 alone, there were 936 distracted driving-related crashes across the state.
- These crashes resulted in 12 fatalities and 43 serious injuries.
And that’s only part of the picture.
Distracted driving is often underreported, meaning the true number of crashes tied to distraction is likely even higher.
Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign Highlights the Ongoing Problem
Law enforcement efforts across North Dakota continue to reveal just how common distracted driving is:
- During an April 2025 enforcement campaign, “Put the Phone Away or Pay”, 754 citations were issued, including 371 specifically for distracted driving.
These numbers reinforce a simple truth: too many drivers are still taking risks behind the wheel.
What Counts as Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is more than just texting. It includes anything that takes your:
- Eyes off the road
- Hands off the wheel
- Mind off driving
Common distractions include:
- Using a phone (texting, calling, apps)
- Adjusting music or GPS
- Eating or drinking
- Interacting with passengers
Even hand-free devices can create cognitive distraction, meaning your brain is no longer fully focused on driving.
The Risk Is Real
Research shows that texting while driving significantly increases crash risk, and even a few seconds of distraction can have life-changing consequences.
At highway speeds, sending or reading a text can mean traveling the length of a football field without looking at the road.
North Dakota Distracted Driving Laws
- Text messaging is prohibited for all drivers and carries a $100 fine.
- Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any electronic communications devices including cell phones. Violations can result in fines and penalties.
These laws exist for one reason: to save lives.
How You Can Make a Difference
Preventing distracted driving starts with individual choices. This month, and every month, commit to safer driving habits:
- Silence or put away your phone before driving
- Set navigation and music before you start moving
- Ask passengers to help manage distractions
- Pull over if something requires your attention
Distracted driving is entirely preventable. By staying focused, you’re not only protecting yourself, but you’re also protecting your loved ones, your community, and everyone sharing the road.
Share the Message: Free Distracted Driving Awareness Resources
To help spread awareness and spread the message of safe driving, our Safety Council has created a collection of free graphics and pre-written verbiage that you can easily download and share.
Whether you want to remind friends, family, coworkers, or employees about the dangers of distracted driving, these resources are designed to make it simple. Use them on social media, on workplace bulletin boards, or anywhere you want to promote safe driving habits.
Get your free materials today and join us in keeping distracted driving off our roadways.
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