The North Dakota Highway Patrol has reported that alcohol is a factor in 38 percent of the state’s fatal crashes, with crashes and vehicle-related arrests increasing around holidays. Troopers have made over 480 driving under the influence arrests so far this year. Vision Zero offers free sober ride vouchers at events like Saint Patrick’s Day and the Red River Valley Fair to decrease arrests and crashes. Over 200 vouchers have been used this year, with more than two thousand redeemed since the program started in 2021.
Lauren Wahlman, a spokesperson for Vision Zero, stated that they are working on expanding the program to other cities and areas of the state that have Lyft. Despite there being 34 fatalities in 31 crashes so far this year in North Dakota, Wahlman mentioned that this is down from the same time in 2023 and 2022.
The efforts by Vision Zero and the North Dakota Highway Patrol to reduce alcohol-related crashes and arrests are aiming to make the roads safer for everyone. By providing free sober ride vouchers at key events, they hope to encourage individuals to make responsible choices and avoid driving under the influence. This initiative has already seen success in reducing the number of fatalities and crashes compared to previous years.
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