JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – North Dakota Highway Patrol and area law enforcement agencies will be cracking down on underage drunk drivers and distracted drivers through the month of April.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation has announced two separate enforcements beginning April 1st. NDDOT Safety Public Information Program Manager Lauren Bjork says the first of these enforcements will be the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign.

“Consuming alcohol underage is illegal and choosing to drive while under the influence can result in a lifetime of consequences,” says Valley City Police Chief Phillip Hatcher. “It’s vital underage drivers understand the importance of taking personal responsibility and refraining from risk-taking behavior.”

Bjork added that if an underage person does find themselves in a situation where alcohol has been consumed, it’s important to take safe steps to get home.

Bjork states that alcohol and drug-related crashes are 100% preventable.

The other enforcement campaign is the U Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign, cracking down on distracted driving, which is illegal and dangerous.

Nearly 300 citations were issued in North Dakota for distracted driving during the enforcement period in September 2020.

“Drive distraction-free and put yourself in the best position to arrive alive by using a do not disturb app to let friends and family know when you are driving,” said Jamestown Police Chief Scott Edinger.

Bjork says preliminary crash fatalities in 2021 are already trending higher than in previous years. A majority of these crashes have been preventable.

As part of Vision Zero, the hope is to eliminate roadway fatalities entirely on North Dakota roads.

Visit visionzero.nd.gov for more information on these enforcements.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Lauren Bjork below: