RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today is reminding motorists who will be traveling North Carolina's roadways this holiday season to slow down and obey all traffic laws to ensure a safe and incident-free trip, as well as avoid a citation from the N.C. State Highway Patrol or local law enforcement officers. 

Law enforcement agencies statewide will increase the number of officers patrolling our roadways to curb speeding and aggressive or impaired driving during this busy travel season.  Last year during the Christmas and New Year's holiday weekends, 32 people were killed in traffic crashes.

“The holidays can be an especially busy time on our roadways as people travel to visit family and friends,” said Easley.  “To ensure your safety and help protect others, I encourage drivers to take precautions to ensure a safe trip.  Obey traffic laws, stay tuned to weather and travel advisories and make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up.”

In addition to increased patrols, law enforcement agencies statewide are participating in “Booze It & Lose It,” the anti-impaired driving campaign of the Governor's Highway Safety Program. Sobriety checkpoints will be held through Jan. 1, 2006.  In addition, the Patrol is participating in the national Operation CARE (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) program, which also seeks to reduce the incidence of impaired and unsafe driving with increased visibility patrols and enforcement on the state's busiest highways.

Motorists with cellular phones may report safety hazards to the Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (*47) toll free.  For road conditions and travel advisories, call the N.C. Department of Transportation's toll-free 511 system, or visit its website at www.ncsmartlink.org to view more travel information online.

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