Cell Phones and Driving
Focusing while Driving | March 20, 2009, 2:59 pm
Research shows that when a driver performs any type of task that requires intense thought such as memorizing a list or visiting on a cell phone, the driver's eye range of motion is narrowed considerably. The ability to scan the road is essential for safe driving.
Texting | March 20, 2009, 2:57 pm
Texting while driving slows reaction time, reduces the ability to steer the wheel, and makes it more difficult for the driver to maintain a safe distance from other cars in traffic.
Passenger vs Cell Phone | March 20, 2009, 2:56 pm
The difference between talking on a cell phone versus talking with a passenger is that a passenger will stop talking in a potentially dangerous situation, or even warn a driver of the potential for harm.
Wildlife and Driving
Driving Tips when Wildlife is Present | March 20, 2009, 2:24 pm
1. Alway wear a seat belt. It is your greatest protection in an impact-related crash.
2. High beam headlights help you see deer better.
3. Scan the ditches while driving. Slow down if you notice and animal's eyes in your line of vision.
What to do when you hit a deer | March 20, 2009, 2:22 pm
If you hit a deer, you are to contact law enforcement to report the crash if the damage is over $1,000. Remove the deer to the side of the roadway if it is safe to do so. If you are unable to do so, contact law enforcement so they can remove the deer.
North Dakota data | March 20, 2009, 2:21 pm
In 2008, there were 3,656 car crashes in ND that involved deer, with 33 people injured and two people killed. The month of November has the highest number of deer crashes. The majority of deer crashes happen between 7-8 a.m. and in the evening, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Rural Driving
Rural Road Driving Challenges | March 20, 2009, 2:19 pm
1. Keep to the right side of the road. Drivers tend to move toward the center on gravel roads.
2. Always yield the right of way in unmarked intersections.
3. Slow down when transitioning between pavement and gravel.
4. Gravel roads often have soft shoulders so slow down when passing or meeting an approaching vehicle.
Speed Limit | March 20, 2009, 2:16 pm
The speed limit is 50 miles per hour on gravel, dirt, or loose surface highways. and on two-lane county and township highways if no speed limit is posted.
2008 ND Data | March 20, 2009, 2:15 pm
In 2008, 91 (87 percent) of the 104 deaths on North Dakota roadways occurred on rural roads.
ND Teen Driving Laws
ND Average Driving Initiation Age | March 20, 2009, 2:14 pm
The average age in 2006 in North Dakota for obtaining a driver license was 15 years, 5 months. A youth is eligible to be a licensed driver at the age of 14 years, 6 months.
Driver Education age 14-15 years | March 20, 2009, 2:13 pm
For 14-15 year olds, there are two options to drive legally. The first is to take driver education through the school system where the is 30 hours of classroom educatin and six hours behind the wheel training. The second is attending a commercial driver training school that provides six hours of behind the wheel training. No classroom instruction is required.
Driver Education age 16+ | March 20, 2009, 2:06 pm
If a youth is 16 years old or older, there is no driver education or behind the wheel education required prior to obtaining a driver license.
Crash death | December 16, 2009, 10:02 am
In 2008, One person died in a crash every 3.5 days.
ND Fatality Rates 2008
Talking Point | March 20, 2009, 2:04 pm
The NDDOT reminds every North Dakotan that many traffic-related deaths are preventable. Of the 104 lives lost in 2008, 49 of them were alcohol related, and seat belts were not buckled in 59 of them. Seat belts were an option for 81 of them.
Fatality Breakdown 2008 | March 20, 2009, 2:03 pm
The number of motor vehicle and truck fatalities decreased from 95 in 2007 to 81 in 2008. Motorcycle fatalities increased from 8 to 13 in that same year. The balance of fatalities are from pedestrians, bicycles, and ATVs.
Decreased Fatalities 2008 | March 20, 2009, 2:02 pm
There were 104 traffic-related fatalities in North Dakota in 2008, down from 111 in 2007. This is a decrease of six percent. This is likely due to a combination of fewer miles traveled in the state and increased enforcement efforts.
Construction crash | December 16, 2009, 10:16 am
In 2008, One crash occurred in a roadway under construction every 3 days.
Deer Crash | December 16, 2009, 10:15 am
In 2008, One driver was involved in a deer crash every 2.4 hours.
Pedacycle | December 16, 2009, 10:14 am
In 2008, One pedacycle was involved in a crash every 3.9 days.
Pedestrian | December 16, 2009, 10:13 am
In 2008, One pedestrian was involved in a crash every 4 days.
Alcohol Crash | December 16, 2009, 10:12 am
In 2008, One alcohol-related crash occurred every 9.46 hours.
Teen crash | December 16, 2009, 10:10 am
In 2008, One teenage-driver crash occurred every 2.47 hours.
Speed Crash | December 16, 2009, 10:08 am
In 2008, One speed-related crash occurred every 3.37 hours.
Motorcycle | December 16, 2009, 10:04 am
In 2008, One motorcyclist was in a crash every 1.37 days.
Seat Belt | December 16, 2009, 10:03 am
In 2008, One unbelted occupant died every 14 days.
Crash | December 16, 2009, 10:01 am
In 2008, One crash occurred every 32 minutes
Injury | December 16, 2009, 10:01 am
In 2008, One person was injured every 2.06 hours.
Fast Facts
Facts
