2013 - 726
2012 - 1,910
Alcohol-Related
Fatal Crashes
14 (42%)
Monthly archive
- February 2010 (2)
- March 2010 (1)
- April 2010 (1)
- May 2010 (1)
- June 2010 (15)
- July 2010 (7)
- August 2010 (1)
- November 2010 (3)
- January 2011 (2)
- March 2011 (1)
DUI Arrests
Travel Information
Media
TROOPERS FOCUS ON UNQUALIFIED DRIVERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 13, 2013
Bismarck, N.D. - Troopers from across the state traveled to western North Dakota last week to participate in a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) enforcement saturation. The goal of the three-day effort was to identify and remove drivers from behind the wheel who were operating CMVs without proper training and/or licensing authority. The effort resulted in more than 100 citations being issued and 35 drivers being placed out of service for failing to have proper qualifications to drive the vehicle they were operating. The saturation occurred west of U.S. Highway 83 and north of Interstate 94.
Federal regulations divide commercial vehicles into groups, or classes, based upon vehicle size and type of load. Larger vehicles, multiple-connected vehicles, and certain types of load materials pose a more significant danger to the public. “We are finding that a majority of the violations stem from a lack of knowledge,” stated Sgt. Mitch Rumple. “The Highway Patrol encourages companies to ensure their drivers are properly qualified to operate commercial vehicles.”
The NDHP has noticed an increase in the number of CMVs being driven by operators who have not passed the necessary knowledge and skills tests for the class of vehicle they are operating. These violations occur more frequently in western North Dakota, as the demand for truck drivers is high. Please visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation Licensing and Registration website at http://www.dot.nd.gov/public/licensing.htm for more information about commercial driver’s license requirements.
COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SATURATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2013
Bismarck, N.D. – The North Dakota Highway Patrol, along with the Mountrail County Sheriff’s Department, conducted a one-day commercial motor vehicle saturation. The event was held Feb. 27 in Stanley, New Town, Parshall and surrounding areas with the goal of identifying and addressing risk factors within the trucking industry to enhance the safety and welfare of all North Dakota motorists.
Fourteen vehicles were weighed with 10 in excess of legal weight allowances. Overweight vehicles contribute to accelerated deterioration of roadway surfaces, resulting in safety concerns for motorists and expensive repairs for taxpayers. The operators of the overweight vehicles were assessed civil penalties. The combined fees collected for weight violations exceeded $22,500.
Roadside inspections of drivers and commercial motor vehicles were conducted for compliance with federal and state regulations. Twelve drivers and vehicles were inspected, revealing 13 violations. The process included inspecting commercial motor vehicles and checking the qualifications of the drivers who operate them.
The NDHP and Mountrail County plan to continue collaborative weight enforcement efforts to help maintain the integrity of county roads and state highways.
MOTORISTS URGED TO OBEY MOVE OVER LAW
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 28, 2013
Bismarck, N.D. – Two serious crashes and several close calls on North Dakota roadways have highlighted the need to remind motorists to obey the “Move Over Law” when encountering authorized emergency vehicles and maintenance vehicles. Since January 1, 2013, two North Dakota Highway Patrol vehicles, with lights activated, have been struck while providing traffic control. These crashes have resulted in several injuries to the troopers and motorists involved.
When vehicles approach an authorized emergency vehicle on a multi-lane highway outside city limits, motorists must move to a lane not adjacent to the emergency vehicle. This must be done with regard to safety and other traffic. If the motorist cannot move to another lane, the driver must proceed with caution, reduce speed, and maintain a safe speed for road conditions.
“The purpose of this law is to ensure safety for all emergency and maintenance personnel working along our state’s roads,” said Col. Jim Prochniak. “We urge citizens to obey this important law to provide a safe environment for all those involved.”
Failure to comply with the Move Over Law may result in a $50 fine and two points assessed to their driving record.
COMMITTED TO TRAFFIC SAFETY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 15, 2013
BISMARCK, N.D. – With increasing activity on the state’s roadways, the North Dakota Highway Patrol and the North Dakota Department of Transportation continue their commitment to enhancing traffic safety.
Troopers made 1,910 DUI arrests and 816 drug-related arrests last year. The NDHP also maintained focus on other common crash causes, including excessive speed and right-of-way violations. Lack of seatbelt use contributed to preventable injuries and deaths. Troopers issued 8,830 seat belt citations throughout the year. In 2012, troopers worked nearly 17,000 hours of overtime, including a special effort on Nov. 21 when all available uniformed officers were on patrol.
Focused on education efforts, troopers gave 624 safety presentations around the state. “The men and women of our agency work hard to influence and educate motorists to drive safely,” said Col. Jim Prochniak. “We continue to emphasize that lives can be saved by driving defensively, sober and with seat belts fastened.”
Motor carrier safety has been a main focus in the past year. More than 300,000 commercial motor vehicle permits were issued in 2012, an increase of 77 percent since 2010. Motor carrier troopers and inspectors participated in enforcement, inspection, and educational efforts with the goal of reducing factors that contribute to truck crashes. Efforts included speed, right-of-way, seat belt and vehicle size and weight enforcement blitzes. Patrol techniques varied from NDHP aircraft surveillance of right-of-way violations to truck enforcement and inspection blitzes. More than 8,600 driver-vehicle examinations were administered to identify truck drivers and vehicles that posed safety risks. Committed to protecting infrastructure, troopers assessed approximately $2.7 million in overload violation fees.
Tragically, 169 people died on roadways throughout the state in 146 fatal crashes. Half the victims died in alcohol-related crashes and approximately 65 percent were not wearing seat belts.
NDDOT Safety Division Director Mark Nelson emphasizes that education, enforcement, and engineering all play an important role in maintaining a safe travel environment for all motorists. “The North Dakota Department of Transportation’s mission remains focused on a transportation system that safely moves people and goods,” says Nelson. “While we can engineer roads to make them as safe as possible, it takes the efforts of motorists to make the right decisions on the roadways. Working with our safety partners and the public will remain our top priority in an effort to help save lives.”
Motorists are encouraged to make safe, responsible driving decisions. Wearing seatbelts, slowing down, choosing designated drivers, and overtaking with caution are common sense measures that will help keep North Dakota roads safe.
AMBER ALERT AWARENESS DAY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 11, 2013
BISMARCK, N.D. – Governor Jack Dalrymple has proclaimed Sunday, Jan. 13, AMBER ALERT AWARENESS DAY in North Dakota. AMBER Alert programs have been implemented in all 50 states. North Dakota implemented the state’s plan in February 2003.
“North Dakota is committed to protecting its young people and keeping its communities safe, and the statewide AMBER alert system is an important part of those efforts,” said Dalrymple. “This system is a valuable tool in quickly alerting law enforcement and the public in the event of a child abduction, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.”
The AMBER Alert provides public notification of an abducted child 17 years of age or younger, and that the abduction is believed to have been committed by a stranger or family abduction in which the child is believed to be in grave danger of serious bodily harm or death. Descriptive information about the child, abductor, and vehicle description is obtained by law enforcement and broadcast through the AMBER Alert. This information is used to assist in the safe recovery of the victim and apprehension of the suspect. Five AMBER Alerts involving six children have been issued in North Dakota. Five of the six children were successfully recovered.
AMBER Alert information is broadcast via television, radio, wireless devices, and Department of Transportation message boards. Citizens can also receive the information by dialing 511 from any phone. Wireless users can receive a text message of AMBER Alerts activated in the subscriber’s area by simply signing up for the free service at www.wirelessamberalerts.org. The North Dakota AMBER Alert website, www.nd.gov/amber, is another way citizens can obtain information on AMBER Alerts and valuable links to other AMBER Alert related stories.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has developed a secondary distribution network to disseminate AMBER Alerts after receiving notification of state or regional AMBER Alert activations. The secondary distribution network includes several Internet service providers, the wireless industry, and many others. Nationally, AMBER Alert programs have helped save the lives of over 600 children.
