Contact: Lt. Everett Clendenin
Date: May 24, 2005
Phone: (919) 733-5027 x233

HIGHWAY PATROL PREPARED FOR BUSY HOLIDAY WEEKEND

 

RALEIGH - The N.C. Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to be careful as they enjoy the Memorial Day weekend. The holiday officially kicks off the summer vacation season in North Carolina. This means more people will be on our highways, increasing the chance of traffic crashes.

State Troopers and Motor Carrier Enforcement officers will be conducting operation Days of Summer this holiday weekend. Operation Days of Summer is an effort by the Highway Patrol to reduce collisions by cracking down on commercial motor vehicle operators who are speeding and who may be committing serious traffic violations (Speeding 15 mph or more over the posted speed limit, following too closely, improper or erratic lane change, and careless & reckless driving, and any violation of the motor vehicle laws that result in serious injury or death).

The Highway Patrol will also increase patrols on the interstates and highway work zones targeting aggressive and impaired drivers. The Highway Patrol will also join other law enforcement agencies at ?Click-It or Ticket? seatbelt checkpoints across the state throughout the week, and troopers will be participating in the nationwide Combined Accident Reduction Effort. "C.A.R.E." is a coordinated effort of Highway Patrol and state police agencies. These high visibility patrols are designed to prevent crashes and ensure voluntary compliance with the motor vehicle laws.

"The Highway Patrol will be busy this weekend making the roads as safe as possible for all motorists. We want to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend," said Colonel W. Fletcher Clay, Highway Patrol Commander. "Please fasten your seatbelt and take the time to be sure your children are properly buckled in. Speeding is the leading cause of collisions on our state?s highways so reduce your chances of becoming involved in a collision by obeying the speed laws."

The Memorial Day holiday, which is set aside to honor deceased men and women from the Armed Forces, is expected to be a busy one on North Carolina highways. The holiday weekend officially begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2005, and ends at midnight, Monday, May 30, 2005. Last year, there were 1,499 crashes, 1,033 injuries, and 21 fatalities statewide during the holiday period.

Citizens may report crashes, impaired 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 to the nearest Highway Patrol communications center.

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