The statewide driver traffic safety survey provides baseline and longitudinal metrics for the Highway Safety Division and others to use in understanding perceptions and self-reported behaviors related to focus issues. A core set of questions addresses nationally agreed upon priorities, including seat belts, impaired driving, and speeding. In addition to the core issues, questions were included to better understand views on specific programs and attitudes pertinent to North Dakota drivers. Results show that more North Dakota drivers have adopted safe driving practices, but additional efforts are needed to improve safety on the state’s roads.
Trucks are an important mode of economic connectivity in rural states like North Dakota. The size/mass difference between 80,000-pound trucks and 4,000-pound passenger vehicles, along with operational differences such as acceleration/deceleration times and turning radiuses, heighten risk for crash events.
Several researchers with the UGPTI at NDSU were recently appointed to standing committees within the Transportation Research Board (TRB). TRB’s standing committees bring together volunteers from around the world who share interest and expertise in various aspects of transportation.
In this newsletter you will find a guest piece written by Judge Leslie Maddox, with a short follow-up regarding North Dakota's definition of what constitutes a vehicle. Also an update from the recent North Dakota Impaired Driving Conference, the updated 2025 crash statistics, as well as the usual case law and training/resources sections.
