Welcome to the On the Move newsletter, your gateway to the latest developments and initiatives brought to you by the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Whether you're a commuter, a contractor, or simply interested in the future of mobility, our newsletter keeps you updated on infrastructure projects, safety measures, and innovative technologies shaping the way we move.
January 2025 Edition
There's more than meets the eye to snow removal
NDDOT’s equipment operators are so much more than drivers. At times they assist other emergency operations or stranded motorists. They head into a winter storm when we ask the public to take shelter. And we all know they clear snow and spread sand and brine mix to fight dangerous driving conditions.
Did you know how much science is behind keeping our roads safe for winter motorists? A lot of factors come into play like precipitation levels, wind conditions, and temperature. Each factor needs to be considered for our operators to know how to best mitigate the dangers caused by winter weather.
Recently, Mike Kisse, assistant division engineer for the NDDOT Maintenance Division, was interviewed on the Scott Hennen radio show, broadcast statewide on AM 1100, The Flag. During the interview Mike goes into detail about the various ways we work to provide safe travel conditions on North Dakota's roads. Take some time to learn more about the how and why behind what we do to keep our state highways safe to travel!
Vision Zero Outreach Program expanded in 2024
The Vision Zero Outreach Program continued to grow in 2024 through various events, presentations and the addition of a new position. These efforts are helping reach the Vision Zero goal of zero fatalities and serious injuries on North Dakota roadways.
Throughout the year, the coordinators promoted the Buckle Up Phone Down pledge and ended 2024 with 915 pledges. Over the summer, they held five Click-It for Coffee events across the state to promote seat belt use during the national Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign. They worked booths at two annual Driving Skills for Success teen driving events. Teen education remained a priority as the coordinators engaged 14 Vision Zero Schools to promote peer-to-peer education.
The coordinators also dedicated their time to Impact Teen Driver presentations, holding traffic safety presentations for local businesses and groups, assisting with car seat checks, participating in commission meetings, and providing educational booths and messaging at conferences, sporting events, and more.
Due to the value and education the coordinators are bringing to their communities, a fifth coordinator was added to serve the east central region of the state. We anticipate adding a sixth coordinator in 2025.
ND is above national average as REAL ID deadline approaches
The deadline to obtain a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card is coming up fast.
REAL ID is a federal mandate to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver licenses and identification cards that was born in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. A REAL ID will also be required to enter federal facilities, including military installations.
To get a REAL ID, citizens must visit a North Dakota Driver’s License office in person.
“We have same-day appointments at all locations, and it is a very quick process once you have the documents,” said Brad Schaffer, NDDOT driver license director. “We encourage everyone to come in now and not wait.
North Dakota is currently ahead of the national average for compliance, with 63 percent of ND citizens REAL ID compliant.
MV names Outstanding Customer Service Award winner
Each year, our Motor Vehicle division presents one of their own with the Motor Vehicle Outstanding Customer Service Award. This award, created in 2022, recognizes a Motor Vehicle employee who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to delivering outstanding customer service during the year.
This year’s honoree is Olivia Akin, systems support specialist. Olivia has been with NDDOT for seven years and we cannot thank her enough for all that she does for the citizens of North Dakota!
