FARGO (KFGO) – North Dakota law enforcement agencies are launching a statewide crackdown on speeding and aggressive driving this week as the state enters its busiest summer travel months.
The “Speeding Slows You Down” campaign will place extra patrols on roads across the state from July 1 through Aug. 9. The initiative is part of North Dakota’s Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries.
The enforcement period falls within the “100 Days of Summer,” the high-travel stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day. State officials noted that historically, more people are killed on North Dakota roads during warm weather months than during colder seasons.
In 2024, speeding or aggressive driving was a factor in 33% of fatal crashes in North Dakota. State data shows that of the 42 drivers involved in those fatal crashes, 57% were between the ages of 18 and 44, and 76% were male.
“Most crashes aren’t intentional, but their consequences can last a lifetime,” Sargent County Sheriff Travis Paeper said. “Slowing down and buckling up gives everyone in your vehicle a better chance of making it home safely.”
In addition to compliance with posted speed limits, traffic safety officials are emphasizing the importance of seat belt use. So far this year, nearly 53% of those killed in North Dakota crashes where seat belts were available were not buckled.
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