Lieutenant Steve Kilde and his family were honored today for sharing their personal story about the loss of their mother, in a Public Service Announcement for the ND Department of Transportation that conveys a powerful message in an effort to reduce drinking and driving fatalities in North Dakota.
Francis Ziegler, Director, of the ND Department of Transportation (ND DOT) presented an award to the Kilde family to honor them for their role in the ND DOT winning a prestigious award from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) 2011 National Transportation Public Affairs Workshop. AASHTO consists of transportation departments from all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Ziegler stated that since the safety campaign was released, alcohol-related fatalities in North Dakota have decreased significantly during the first six months of 2011.
“We are very pleased to see Lt. Kilde and his family honored for having the courage to share their story and to see the influence that their experience is having on our community in saving the loss of lives,” said Mayor John Warford.
“Driving under the influence is a serious issue in Bismarck and throughout our state. Lt. Kilde did outstanding in the difficult task of sharing the tragic loss of his mother. I believe that Lt. Kilde, by sharing his story of the tragic loss of his mother, has aided in the effort to reduce drunk driving and has a strong impact on those who view the commercial,” said Bismarck Police Chief Keith Witt.