JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NDDOT) – Distracted driving is dangerous and often deadly. Law enforcement across the state will have extra patrols the month of September to enforce the law on distracted driving for the U Drive. U Text. U Pay. enforcement period.

151 citations were issued for distracted driving during April’s enforcement period. Distracted driving takes on many forms; however, texting is one of the most common across the nation and is illegal in North Dakota.

In April, Vision Zero launched the story of Ramsey County Deputy Sheriff Bill Earl, who lost his son Joe, from a distracted driving crash. In the story, Deputy Earl stresses how much Joe’s choice to drive distracted still affects his family and friends.

“Your family is more important than that text. Why would you want to put your friends and family through the torment of losing you?”

Local law enforcement encourages all drivers to take personal responsibility behind the wheel, if not for you, for your friends and family.

“Distracted driving includes taking your eyes off the road, or even your mind off driving,” says Jamestown Chief of Police Scott Edinger. It’s vital that drivers realize the dangers of distracted driving and take personal responsibility by putting electronics away.”

This campaign is part of the Vision Zero strategy to eliminate motor vehicle crash fatalities and serious injuries on North Dakota roads.

Visit the North Dakota Crash Memorial Wall to view memorials built on the hope of preventing another death on North Dakota roads.