(Fargo, ND) -- Law enforcement agencies across the state will soon have extra patrols for summer H.E.A.T. (Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic) during the Click it or Ticket campaign from May 24th – June 6th.
According to the North Dakota Department of Transportation Safety Division, more people have died in motor vehicle crashes in warm weather months (May through October) than cold weather months over the last five years. Failure to wear a seat belt results in more motor vehicle fatalities in North Dakota than any other factor. Seat belts save lives and are the single most effective safety device to prevent death and injury in a motor vehicle crash.
In 2020 in North Dakota, 42% of motor vehicle fatalities were not wearing their seat belts.
“The summer months keep us on the go with various activities and travel,” said Fargo Police Chief David Zibloski. “Ensure you and your loved ones arrive safely by wearing your seat belt.”
Preliminary crash fatalities in 2021 are trending higher than previous years with 30 fatalities as of May 16th, making this campaign a vital part of the Vision Zero strategy to eliminate motor vehicle crash fatalities and serious injuries on North Dakota roads.
H.E.A.T. will take place through August to encourage everyone to wear a seat belt, use appropriate child passenger safety seats, follow all posted speed limits, and drive sober and distraction-free.
