On November 14-18, the Highway Patrol will be cracking down on speeders on the major four lane highways in Troop A (Greenville, New Bern, Morehead City, Elizabeth City areas).

Speed remains the leading cause of traffic collisions and fatal collisions on the state’s highways. The Highway Patrol receives numerous citizen complaints concerning motorists traveling at dangerous speeds.

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 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 helicopters, motorcycles, Camaros, and unmarked patrol vehicles for this campaign.

A press event will be held on Monday, November 14, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. at the rest area (eastbound side) on US 70 near New Bern. Bryan Beatty, Secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety and Colonel W. Fletcher Clay, Commander of the Highway Patrol, will speak at the event.

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

Highway Patrol to Conduct Operation Slow Down 2005