North Dakota is on track to end 2019 with less than 100 traffic fatalities for the first time since 2002.
As of the publication of the report Wednesday, traffic fatalities for the state in 2019 totaled 93. Last year, 105 individuals were killed in traffic accidents.
“This is a big deal for North Dakota because these numbers represent our family, friends, and members of the community,” Karin Mongeon, Vision Zero safety division director, said. “One person lost is one too many, and the sooner we recognize vehicle fatalities as preventable and not tolerable, the sooner we’ll reach the goal of Vision Zero.”
Vision Zero is a strategy used by the North Dakota Highway Patrol and the North Dakota Department of Transportation to reduce traffic fatalities over time. The goal is to decrease fatalities to 75 or fewer by 2025 and eventually reach no deaths or serious injuries.
Keeping fatalities under 100 is a significant step toward this goal.
The plan uses a combination of engineering, law enforcement, emergency medical services, education, and other disciplines to reach the goal.
“Zero may seem like an unachievable goal, but when it comes to your life or the lives of your family, is any other number acceptable?” Highway Patrol Sergeant Wade Kadrmas said.
The Highway Patrol reminds motorists to drive sober and distraction-free and to wear a seat belt.