NDLTAP Partners with WDEA and ND Vision Zero to Launch Safety Warrior Art Contest

Posted: Jan 12, 2026

The ND Local Technical Assistance Program (NDLTAP) recently launched a "Safety Warrior" art contest designed to teach fourth and fifth graders about roadway safety.

"We know that attitudes and behaviors toward driving are formed early, so we launched this effort to begin educating and influencing students long before they get behind the wheel," said NDLTAP Director Bryon Fuchs. "In addition, we know that youth are great at reminding the adults in their lives to adopt safe driving practices."

The program is a joint effort of NDLTAP, the Western Dakota Energy Association, and North Dakota Vision Zero. NDLTAP, a part of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at North Dakota State University, provides transportation-related outreach, training, and technical assistance to local units of government in North Dakota.

The Safety Warrior program is a reboot of a NDLTAP's Sign Warrior program launched in 2019 to teach students about the dangers of damaged or missing traffic signs. The new program expands the focus to include avoiding distractions like cellphone use, discouraging aggressive driving, and promoting seat belt use.

Participants illustrate roadway dangers in drawings that are submitted for possible inclusion in a Safety Warrior calendar to be distributed across the state. Students submitting winning drawings will receive an official Safety Warrior certificate and be recognized within their school and statewide through Vision Zero's social media and at the annual Vision Zero Partner Conference. The program is open to all fourth and fifth grade students in North Dakota. Drawings for this year's contest are due by January 30. Visit the NDLTAP website for submission guidelines and more information.