STATE HIGHWAY PATROL TARGETING FIVE DEADLIEST COUNTIES IN NORTH CAROLINA DURING JULY 4TH HOLIDAY PERIOD

 

RALEIGH - The N.C. Highway Patrol will conduct a 10-day long traffic enforcement crackdown in the state's deadliest counties during the July 4th holiday period, which runs from June 27 to July 4.

The goal is to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities during a travel period that is one of the busiest of the year. The Highway Patrol reviewed traffic fatalities investigated by troopers in each county from the year 2000 through 2004. The five counties with the most fatalities were: (1) Robeson County-273 fatalities, (2) Wake County-181 fatalities, (3) Johnston County-171 fatalities, (4) Cumberland County-154 fatalities, and (5) Iredell County-153 fatalities.

Troopers will be using helicopters, motorcycles, Camaros, and unmarked Patrol vehicles to target the deadliest roadways in each county. Troopers from surrounding counties will assist with this traffic enforcement operation.

"Troopers will be busy this holiday week. I have instructed our troopers to crackdown on traffic violators in these counties and to apply strict enforcement to those motorists who are traveling at dangerous speeds or in a careless manner," said Colonel W. Fletcher Clay, Highway Patrol Commander. "Our Troopers will be looking for aggressive drivers, drunk drivers, drivers not wearing their seatbelts, and other violators in these counties and throughout the state while patrolling this July 4th holiday week."

Included in the crackdown will be commercial motor vehicle drivers who are speeding and who may be committing serious traffic violations. These include speeding over the posted speed limit, following too closely, improper or erratic lane change, careless & reckless driving, and any violation of the motor vehicle laws that result in serious injury or death. Troopers will also increase patrols on the interstates and other heavily traveled corridors targeting the aggressive drivers who tend to cause the most crashes across the state.

The aggressive driver has been identified as those drivers who flagrantly violate the motor vehicle laws, including but not limited to: excessive speeding, following too closely, erratic lane changes, safe movement violations, and other forms of reckless endangerment.

A press event was held today in Johnston County kicking-off the week long initiative. Bryan Beatty, Secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, said, "We are committed to doing our part to reduce traffic fatalities in these counties and throughout our state. Motorists should do their part by obeying all traffic laws while traveling to their holiday destination."

Troopers will continue to periodically conduct operations in these counties after the initial July 4th holiday week.

Last year in North Carolina, 11 people died and 865 were injured in 1,205 collisions during the July 4th holiday period. The 2005 July 4th weekend begins at 6:00 p.m., Friday, July 1st and ends at midnight, Monday, July 4th.

The Patrol will also be participating in the nationwide Combined Accident Reduction Effort. "C.A.R.E." is a coordinated effort in which highway patrol and state police agencies increase their visibility along selected routes during holiday periods to prevent crashes.

Citizens may report crashes, drunk drivers, stranded motorists or other highway situations to the Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (*47) on their cellular telephones. This is a toll free call that connects the caller with the nearest Highway Patrol communications center.

To see the county ranking by fatalities for the years 2000-2004, go to 2000-2004 SHP investigated fatalities by county