Seat Belts Center Stage For Spring Blitzes

Nelson was wearing his seat belt and was treated and released the same day. The impaired and unbuckled driver was ejected from his truck and faced serious injuries.

Nelson’s encounter has become the focus of this year’s impaired driving and occupant protection blitzes. Images of Nelson and his wrecked patrol car will be used with the messages: "A seat belt...your best defense against drunk drivers." (impaired driving blitz) and "A seat belt saved Officer Nelson." (occupant protection blitz).

The messages were unveiled during an Impaired Driving Blitz in April and the Memorial Day Blitz in May.

North Dakota Law enforcement and traffic safety advocates joined the nation’s seat belt and impaired driving mobilizations this spring in an effort to increase seat belt use and eliminate imparied driving nationally and in North Dakota.

North Dakota activities include stepped-up periods of enforcement, radio, television, and billboard buys, and partnerships with numerous businesses and civic organizations.