MEDIA ADVISORY

TO:               News Directors, Editors

FROM:         Lt.  Everett Clendenin              

RE:                Highway Patrol to Conduct Operation Slow Down 2005

On July 25-31, the Highway Patrol will be cracking down on speeders on the interstates and major four lane highways in Troop H (Charlotte area) and Troop F (Statesville, Hickory areas).

Speed remains the leading cause of traffic collisions and fatal collisions in the state and the Highway Patrol receives numerous citizen complaints concerning motorists traveling at dangerous speeds on the highways.  Operation Slow Down 2005 is a Patrol initiative that addresses these concerns. 

Speeding citations issued by the Patrol have increased dramatically during the past five years.  A review by the Highway Patrol shows speeding citations revealed speeding citations in excess of 100 mph have increased 175 percent since 1999 and overall speeding citations have increased 147 percent since 1999. 

Troopers will be using motorcycles, Camaros, and unmarked patrol vehicles for this campaign.

A press event will be held on Monday, July 25, 2005, at 1:00 p.m. at the Highway Patrol’s District office in Mecklenburg County at 8446 Tryon Street, Charlotte.  Bryan Beatty, Secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety and Colonel Fletcher Clay, Commander of the Highway Patrol, will speak at the event.

For further information please call Lt. Everett Clendenin at 919-733-5027.