N.C. Highway Patrol will Continue to Conduct Operation Slow Down over the Easter Holiday Weekend

 

During the Easter holiday weekend the N.C. Highway Patrol will continue to conduct Operation Slow Down on interstates and other heavily traveled corridors targeting speeders and aggressive drivers. Aggressive drivers are those motorists who flagrantly violate the motor vehicle laws by speeding excessively, following too closely, making erratic lane changes or exhibiting other such forms of reckless endangerment.

“Whether you're headed to the beach, visiting friends, or going to church, please drive with care,” said Colonel Walter J. Wilson, Jr., Highway Patrol Commander. “Our Troopers will be looking for speeders, drunk drivers and drivers not wearing their seatbelts while patrolling this Easter weekend.”

Last year in North Carolina, nine people died in 790 collisions during the Easter holiday period. The 2009 Easter weekend begins at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, April 9th and ends at midnight, Sunday, April 12th.

“Families often make their first trip of the year to the coast or mountains over the Easter Holiday” said Reuben F. Young, secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. “We hope that families make the necessary preparations for a safe trip, such as proper vehicle maintenance and allowing sufficient time to arrive at their destinations safely.”

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.

In addition, Troopers will increase their efforts to enforce the state's litter laws. Under tougher littering laws passed by the N.C. General Assembly, first-time offenders can be fined as much as $1,000 and be ordered to perform up to 24 hours of community service. Repeat offenders can get a $2,000 fine and 50 hours community service.

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.