Contact: F/Sgt Everett Clendnein
Date: June 29, 2004
Phone: (919) 733-5027
STATE TROOPERS ISSUE WARNING: DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!
RALEIGH ‑‑ The N.C. Highway Patrol will be participating in several traffic enforcement operations throughout the state during the July 4th holiday week. There will be an increased presence of Troopers and Motor Carrier Enforcement officers on the interstates and major four lane highways.
“I have requested that our troopers place special emphasis on removing drunk drivers from the highways,” said Colonel Richard W. Holden, Commander of the State Highway Patrol. During the July 4th holiday, the Patrol will be conducting sobriety checkpoints throughout the state in conjunction with the state's "Booze It and Loose It" anti drunk driving campaign. “Our overall goal is to reduce the number of crashes on our highways,” said Holden.
Troopers will be participating in the Combined Accident Reduction Effort (CARE) as well. CARE is a nationwide program in which highway patrol and state police agencies across the nation increase their visibility during the holiday period in an effort to prevent crashes.
The July 4th holiday weekend officially begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 2nd and ends at midnight, Sunday, July 4th. Statewide last year, there were 1,471 crashes, 1,040 injuries, and 10 fatalities during the official holiday period.
Citizens can report highway problems to the Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (*47) on their cellular phones. The toll‑free call goes directly to the nearest Highway Patrol communication center.
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