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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) The North Dakota Department of Transportation sponsored a safe driving presentation featuring national speaker, Tyler Presnell of Washington. At the age of 14, Presnell was involved in a car crash that has left him with a permanent brain injury that affected his short-term memory.

Presnell, shared his story to students in the Jamestown and Valley City Public Schools March 14. He travels the country speaking to students about the importance of traffic safety and making positive choices involving motor vehicles.

“Safety is a top priority at the NDDOT,” said Mark Nelson, NDDOT Safety Division Director. Tyler’s story is really powerful and will hopefully get teens to make smart decisions when it comes to getting in a motor vehicle as a driver as well as a passenger.”

In North Dakota, teen drivers account for fewer than 7 percent of all licensed drivers, but are involved in more than 20 percent of all motor vehicle crashes and nearly 15 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities.

“Motor vehicle crashes are the leading preventable cause of death among those between 15 to 19 years old in North Dakota,” said Dan Larson, Valley City Junior High Principal. “This is why it was important to bring this traffic safety presentation here to protect the future of our students.”