Oakes Public School Students

OAKES, N.D. (NDHP) – Representatives from Vision Zero, along with Oakes graduate Major Tom Iverson of the North Dakota Highway Patrol welcomed Oakes Public School as the latest Vision Zero School at a recognition ceremony on Wednesday, January 4th.

Student leaders, who are featured in a traffic safety banner and public service announcements, picked distracted driving as their safety emphasis. Students showcased the banner and public service announcements at the event with their School Resource Officer Jeremy Sitzler, Oakes Police Chief Matthew O’Brien and Highway Patrol Major Iverson.

“Oakes is a small community where everyone knows everyone. Because of this, I believe it is our responsibility to do whatever we can to protect one another,” said student leader Brianna Schmitz. “By spreading the Vision Zero message and especially focusing on the dangers of distracted driving, I believe we are helping to do just that.”

“What a tremendous opportunity to return to my hometown school to congratulate the Tornadoes on becoming a Vision Zero School. I’m so impressed by the initiative of these students to spread awareness of the importance of traffic safety. I’m glad I could participate in such an important event,” said Major Iverson.

Students participating in the event visited stations throughout the school focusing on traffic safety emphasis areas such as impaired driving and seat belts. Student leaders were recognized for their advocacy by receiving Vision Zero Schools t-shirts, sponsored by Heritage Insurance.

Oakes joins Kidder County and Flasher Public Schools as a Vision Zero School. Des Lacs-Burlington Public School was also named a Vision Zero School at an assembly on January 4th.

Schools interested in participating in Vision Zero Schools should 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