JAMESTOWN, N.D. (Vision Zero) – Law enforcement agencies across North Dakota will increase patrols throughout April to enforce the state’s distracted driving law as part of the national distracted driving enforcement campaign Put the Phone Away or Pay.

Distracted driving is both dangerous and illegal. It includes any activity that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel or mind off driving. While distractions come in many forms, texting and cell phone use remain the most common.

Although distracted driving is significantly under reported in North Dakota crashes, the consequences of inattention behind the wheel are clear. In 2024, lane departure crashes occurred about every two hours in North Dakota. These crashes often happen when drivers take their attention off the road.

“It may not be your intention to drive distracted, but one notification on your phone can cause a crash,” said North Dakota Highway Patrol Captain Bryan Niewind. “Putting the phone away before you start driving helps keep your attention on the road.”

In conjunction with the distracted driving campaign, Vision Zero is encouraging all North Dakotans to take the Buckle Up Phone Down pledge, committing to wearing a seat belt and driving distraction-free every trip, every time.

This campaign is part of the Vision Zero strategy to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on North Dakota roads.