Police in Grand Forks are putting a stop to distracted driving

Grand Forks, North Dakota – If you’re texting and driving in Grand Forks, be prepared to pay a fine.

The Grand Forks Police Department is taking part in September’s ‘Distracted Driving Awareness Month’ in an effort to keep the roads safe.

The use of a wireless communications device to compose, read, or send an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle on any street or highway is forbidden in the City of Grand Forks, and a violation is punishable by a $200 fine.

The North Dakota Department of Transportation has financed this campaign through grants, which enables more officers to be assigned to patrol for distracted driving offenses. The Grand Forks Police Department takes part in enforcement initiatives like this to achieve one very straightforward objective: to make roads safer.

The Grand Forks Police Department also wishes to remind everyone to practice these defensive driving techniques:

5. Remember to always be looking out for small children and slow down around parks, schools and residential areas.

4. Drive defensively and expect the unexpected.

3. Use appropriate occupant and child restraints.

2. Never drink and drive.

1. Never text and Drive