2013 - 778
Alcohol-Related
Fatal Crashes
14 (37%)
BISMARCK, N.D. - The North Dakota Highway Patrol and the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services will conduct an annual test of the AMBER (America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) Alert system. The test will be conducted from 2 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2013.
All components of the AMBER Alert Plan will be tested. Advance notification is important to avoid misinterpretation of this test as an actual AMBER Alert.
AMBER Alerts are recorded on the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s 511 Road and Weather Information System, displayed on the NDDOT roadside message signs, the nd.gov/amber website, and displayed on scrolling banners at North Dakota Lottery terminal sites. Five AMBER Alerts involving six children have been issued in North Dakota. Five of the six children were successfully recovered. Nationwide, AMBER Alert has been credited with the successful recovery of 642 children.
The goal of the AMBER Alert is to instantly galvanize the entire community to assist in the search for and safe return of the abducted child. The AMBER Alert Plan is a voluntary partnership among law enforcement, state agencies, the National Weather Service and North Dakota Broadcasters Association to activate an urgent bulletin in child abduction cases meeting AMBER Alert activation criteria. NDDES, in collaboration with the NWS, uses the Emergency Alert System to provide a description of the abducted child and suspected abductor to statewide radio and television broadcast stations which disseminate the information to the public. Please register at wirelessamberalerts.org to receive text notifications of actual AMBER Alerts that occur in your area.
Bismarck, N.D. – The North Dakota Highway Patrol is launching a new automated routing and permit system next month. This $2.5 million state-of-the-art online system will automatically calculate overweight and oversized vehicle routes and fees, saving valuable travel time for the motor carrier industry and providing safer routes.
Last year, the NDHP issued more than 348,000 permits for vehicle and load movements, an increase of 32 percent since 2011. The new system will provide fast and efficient issuance of permits.
The NDHP is conducting training for the new system and invites the motor carrier industry to attend. Training will be June 3-7 at various times and locations around the state. For a complete list, visit www.nd.gov/ndhp or call 328-5580. Space is limited and participants should RSVP by May 29.
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.
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.
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.
Contact: Sergeant Tom Iverson, NDHP
North Dakota Highway Patrol
701-328-2455