Rollover Simulator Drives Home Importance of Seatbelts

Safety is the number one priority at the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and the Rollover Simulator is one tool used to emphasize the importance of using seatbelts. The Rollover Simulator recreates what happens to vehicle occupants during a rollover crash. The simulator works by rotating the trailer-mounted half-truck up to 30 miles per hour with crash test dummies positioned in the vehicle in place of occupants. During a demonstration at a NDDOT press conference, multiple scenarios were played out to show what the outcome is when occupants wear their seatbelts as well as when they don’t.

The NDDOT has created a video of this presentation to use as an educational tool demonstrating the importance of seatbelt usage.

Traffic Safety Contest 2010

Congratulations to the winners of the 2nd Annual ND Teen Drivers Traffic Safety Contest!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2nd annual ND Teen Drivers Traffic Safety Contest! A panel of judges reviewed 104 applications received from students located throughout the state. The winners were selected in each category by considering several contest components including: creativity, impact of message, effectiveness of their traffic safety event and informational value of their written report. The North Dakota Department of Transportation would like to congratulate the winners and thank all schools and students who participated in this year’s contest!

30-second Video Category Winners

1st place – Caleb Hauff, Christopher Ringuette and J. Morgan Legreid – Shiloh Christian School – Bismarck
2nd place – Casey Norton, Kyla Teske, Hannah Sabe, Nate Pierce and Shawn Sanford – Scranton High School
3rd place – Justine Gab and Darci Lujan – Dickinson High School

Billboard Category Winners

1st place – Erika Lutjens – Valley City High School
2nd place – Dariann Loibl – Valley City High School
3rd place – Lauren Groth – Valley City High School
Honorable Mention – Noah Paper – Sheyenne 9th Grade Center – West Fargo

Click here to see the winners!

Driving is a Privilege, Knowledge is Key

The North Dakota Department of Transportation has put together helpful information and resources to promote and educate teens about safety while driving. The goal of this website is to educate teen drivers and their parents about the importance of teens following all traffic laws and practicing safe driving.

Car crashes are the leading cause of death among teens in North Dakota and that needs to change. This website provides safety information to help prevent losing teens in car crashes.

Did You Know?

From 2001-2009, North Dakota has lost 173 teens in motor vehicle crashes. In 2009, there were 16 fatal teen driver crashes and 545 teen driver injury crashes.
37.5% of teen driver fatalities occurred on a Friday in North Dakota.
In North Dakota, the highest number of teen driver crashes occurred in December.
According to AAA, teen drivers in North Dakota are involved in a crash every 2.5 hours.
"Speed/Too Fast for Conditions" and "Attention Distracted" are the top two reasons cited by law enforcement in North Dakota for teen crashes.

» See more information

Safe Driving Tips

Buckle up - every trip, every time. Seat belts save lives.
Don't drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Call a friend or parent for a ride home.
Only have enough people in your vehicle as there are seatbelts.
Obey the speed limit.
Don't pass in an intersection.
Look ahead and slow down!

If you are involved in a crash...

Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Glove Compartment--cell phone, pen, paper, disposable camera, emergency contact phone numbers, and a medical card.
Keep Safety First--Minor accidents with no serious injuries should move cars to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic. If a car cannot be moved, drivers and passengers should remain in the cars with seatbelts fastened until help arrives. Turn on your hazard lights and set out cones, flares, or warning triangles if possible.
Report it to the police as quickly as possible.
Exchange Information with the Drivers Involved in the Crash.
Photograph and Document the Accident.

North Dakota Department of Transportation

Read More Fast Facts

FAST FACTS

Highway hypnosis can occur when you drive on a highway for an extended period of time, leaving you in a dulled, drowsy, trance-like state. The danger is you are unable to react as quickly as you should. Stop the car in a safe place and take a break from the road.

Hydroplaning is losing traction when you slide on a film of water. This can result in a loss of control and steering ability because your tires lose contact with the pavement. Slow down in these weather conditions, and make sure your tires are inflated properly.

Most skids are the result of driving too fast for the road conditions. The key to safe vehicle operation is slower speeds. NDDOT Rules of the Road

The Implied Consent Law states that by driving a vehicle, you have agreed to submit to chemical tests of your breath, blood, or urine to determine alcohol or drug content is asked to do so by a law enforcement officer. NDDOT Rules of the Road

For front-seat passengers, lap and shoulder belts reduce the chance of serious injury by as much as 50 percent.

Young drivers are about 1.5 times more likely to have a fatal crash after having one or two drinks and about three times more likely after three drinks.

Marijuana affects alertness, concentration, coordination and reaction time, all skills required for safe driving. These effects can last up to 24 hours after smoking marijuana.

When you close your eyes for just one second at 60 mph, you will travel 88 feet.

On curvy roads, DON'T HUG THE CENTERLINE. Drive on the right side of your lane, and you'll miss the guy that's a little bit wide coming around a blind curve at you and avoid a head-on collision.

Click it quick! No more excuses. Just a quick click can save your life. Even if you're just driving around the block. No one ever got in the car thinking, "This is the day I'm going to be in a crash." NDDOT

Most deer crashes happen between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., and again in the evening from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Scan the ditches while you are driving and slow down if you notice an animal's eyes in your line of vision. NDDOT Crash Summary

Stay well back from snowplows. Sometimes they have to stop and back up. Plow drivers can't see directly behind themselves, and plows also throw sanding material. Remember, don't crowd the plow. NDDOT Rules of the Road