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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Several law enforcement agencies in the state worked together for distracted driving prevention during the month of September.

According to the North Dakota Department of Transportation, a total of 318 citations were attributed to the added patrols with 149 of those citations given for distracted driving, 46 for speeding, 17 for failure to wear seat belts, 14 for suspended or revoked license and two felony arrests.

With increasing smartphone use, driver distraction continues to grow.

“Surveys, including the annual North Dakota Statewide Traffic Safety Survey, show that texting while driving is becoming an increasing problem in the state putting other road users in more frequent danger,” said Karin Mongeon, North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Safety Division Director. “Through education and enforcement efforts, it is our goal to save lives by deterring motorists from texting while driving.”

High-visibility enforcement for traffic safety is one element of a collaborative effort to eliminate motor vehicle deaths in North Dakota.