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Route 1000 Program

Putting the cell phone down while driving is good advice for anyone. The North Dakota Farm Bureau is traveling to several schools to show young drivers the dangers of distractions on the road. Drivers who are more focused are not only safer, but they can also save money.

Ten dollars.That`s what 14 high schoolers in Wilton were promised if they could successfully navigate a path of orange cones driving an electric cart.

"I almost ran into the bleachers a few times," said freshman Kortnie Oberg-Smith.

The kids made two laps. Once in normal mode. The second time impaired. Try as they might, no student could win the bet.

"I thought I did for a bit. Then it went bad," said freshman Logan Tosseth.

The car itself is called SIDNE, which is a simulated impaired driving experience. It`s designed to teach young drivers to put away the cell phone and simply focus on the road.

"At first, it was easy. The first round and then after that, you just couldn`t control it," Oberg-Smith said.

"The kids that are just getting their permits and licenses, this is the message that needs to get sent out to them right away before they get too comfortable behind the wheel," said Goetz Funeral Home Owner Nathan Grubb.

That`s a message Grubb knows firsthand. He`s experienced a handful of cases where distracted drivers have been killed on Highway 83. The North Dakota Farm Bureau takes the matter seriously as well. They`re offering up 500 dollars to any student who can drive 1000 days with no accidents or traffic tickets. It`s called the Route 1000 program.

"It`s ok to turn the cell phone off until you get to your destination," Grubb said.

Young drivers who are also willing to sign up for a Farm Bureau class may lower their car insurance by up to seven percent. They may not be getting ten bucks right away, but if they can make it nearly three years, a check for 500 is plenty more change in their pockets.

To enroll in the Route 1000 program, you or your parent must be a North Dakota Farm Bureau member. Students in Garrison, Max, Washburn and Underwood will get a chance to try the SIDNE car during the next few weeks.