North Dakota law enforcement agencies issue 830 citations during major distracted driving enforcement campaign
Bismarck, North Dakota – Law enforcement agencies across North Dakota issued hundreds of citations during a statewide distracted driving enforcement campaign aimed at reducing crashes, injuries, and dangerous driving behavior on the roads.
Officials announced that officers handed out a total of 830 citations during the April Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign, which focused heavily on drivers using phones and other distractions behind the wheel.
According to enforcement statistics, 300 of the citations were specifically tied to distracted driving violations. Authorities said distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of preventable crashes because drivers lose focus on the road while using mobile devices or engaging in other distractions.
The campaign also uncovered several additional traffic violations during enforcement patrols throughout the state.
Officials reported that 190 citations were issued for speeding offenses, while another 135 citations involved other traffic violations such as equipment problems and disobeying traffic signals.
Law enforcement officers also issued 60 citations to individuals who failed to wear seat belts.
Enforcement Effort Targets Dangerous Driving Behaviors
Authorities said the campaign relied on high-visibility enforcement, a strategy that places officers on highly visible coordinated patrols intended to discourage dangerous driving habits before crashes happen.
In addition to the large number of citations, officers made three arrests connected to driving under the influence during the campaign. One additional arrest involved a drug-related offense.
Traffic safety officials stressed that many roadway deaths and serious injuries can be prevented when drivers take personal responsibility behind the wheel.
Officials urged motorists to wear seat belts, properly secure children in car seats, obey speed limits, avoid distractions, and never drive while impaired.
The enforcement effort is part of the broader Vision Zero initiative, a traffic safety program focused on eliminating serious injuries and traffic deaths across North Dakota.
State officials encouraged residents to learn more about traffic safety programs and distracted driving awareness efforts through the Vision Zero North Dakota campaign.
Authorities also pointed residents toward the North Dakota Crash Memorial Wall, which honors individuals who lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes and serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that dangerous driving behaviors can create.
