BISMARCK, N.D. (NDDOT) – The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and the North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) want to remind all residents to always wear their seat belt when traveling as motor vehicle fatalities in 2020 near 100.

Seat belt use is the single most effective way to reduce injuries and fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. The current preliminary fatality count is 93, whereas the same period in 2019 was 92. Total lives lost on North Dakota roads in 2019 were 100. The last time fatalities were below 100 was in 2002 when there were 97. Should North Dakota end the year under 100 motor vehicle fatalities, it will be the third straight year in a downward trend.

“Each life lost on our roadways is one too many. Working towards the goal of Vision Zero means one more friend, family member and community member is around to celebrate all of life’s moments. We can all do our part by taking personal responsibility every time we travel in a vehicle,” said NDDOT Director Bill Panos.

“By always wearing your seat belt, and driving sober and distraction-free, you can have a significant impact on your life and the lives of others,” said North Dakota Highway Patrol Colonel Brandon Solberg. “We can all be part of the solution by taking these steps.”

With the first goal to decrease fatalities to 75 or fewer by 2025, Vision Zero uses education, enforcement, engineering, emergency medical services, and other disciplines to reduce motor vehicle fatalities over time. Remaining under 100 is a significant step towards the goal of zero motor vehicle fatalities and serious injuries on North Dakota roads.

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

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