NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — Next week is known as National Passenger Safety Week, a time to encourage people to speak up for their own safety. Three of the most frequent and persistent behavioral factors in fatal crashes are people not wearing seatbelts, driving under the influence of alcohol, and speeding. David Reich, the director of Public Relations at the National Road Safety Foundation, says there is one thing above all else when it comes to passenger safety. SRT scholarship applications open, 7 awards up for grabs "Don't be afraid of being a backseat driver because there's a lot at stake. Your life is at stake, the driver's life, and other people strangers on the road in other cars, even pedestrians. So it is very important that passengers feel empowered to speak up if they feel that they are in a car that is being driven unsafely," Reich said. Studies show that 25 passengers in North Dakota were killed in traffic crashes in 2023 and by promoting National Passenger Safety Week, the National Road Safety Foundation hopes to see this number decrease in the years to come. This year the safety week is taking place from January 20-27. Here is a link to resources that can be used during National Passenger Safety Week: https://nationalpassengersafety.org/ Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW