HUNTER, N.D. (Vision Zero) – Northern Cass High School was officially welcomed as the newest Vision Zero School during a special kick-off event yesterday. Representatives from Vision Zero, school administrators and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office joined the Jaguars to celebrate their commitment to traffic safety.

The event recognized the four student leaders who are driving the Vision Zero initiative within their school and community by becoming youth traffic safety advocates. As part of the celebration, the student leaders unveiled their public service announcement (PSA) videos and a banner to their peers, that focus on speed awareness.

“It’s important for Northern Cass to become a Vision Zero School because it raises awareness about how crucial traffic safety is for teen drivers and the entire community,” said Northern Cass Senior Addisyn Winterquist.

The student leaders also engaged the audience in a traffic safety trivia game show-style competition, reinforcing key safety messages in an interactive and educational format. Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner closed the assembly by emphasizing the importance of making smart choices every time they get into a vehicle as a driver or a passenger.

“Traffic safety isn’t just a goal; it’s a responsibility we all share. Northern Cass High School becoming a Vision Zero School is a powerful commitment to our teens, our county and our future. Every step toward achieving the Vision Zero goal means fewer crashes, fewer injuries, lives saved and more young drivers getting home safely,” said Jahner.

The student-created PSA videos can be downloaded here.

The event’s prizes and t-shirts were generously sponsored by Bushel & A Peck Photography.

Northern Cass joins a growing list of Vision Zero Schools dedicated to eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries in North Dakota. Schools interested in participating in Vision Zero Schools can contact the NDDOT Safety Public Information Program Manager at lwahlman@nd.gov.

Learn more about the Vision Zero strategy and its traffic safety campaigns at VisionZero.ND.gov.