JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NDDOT) – Law enforcement across the state will have extra patrols enforcing speed limits and removing aggressive drivers from the road as a part of the Speeding Slows You Down enforcement campaign Aug. 1-17.

Preliminary data for 2022 shows that speeding was a factor in 25% of fatal crashes and fatalities in North Dakota. Speeding and/or aggressive driving is defined as speeding, driving too fast for conditions, following too close, or operating a vehicle in a reckless, negligent or aggressive manner. During the spring enforcement period, 2,815 citations for speeding were issued.

“Drive for conditions and we’ll all get where we need to be. Going faster than road conditions allow is also an example of speeding. It’s better to slow down and give yourself enough time to get where you are going,” said Valley City Police Chief Phil Hatcher.

High visibility enforcement for traffic safety is one element of the Vision Zero Summer H.E.A.T. (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) strategy to eliminate crash fatalities and serious injuries on North Dakota roads. Summer H.E.A.T. will continue through August to encourage everyone to wear a seat belt, use appropriate child passenger safety seats, drive sober and distraction-free and follow all posted speed limits.

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