During the first two weeks of school, North Carolina State Highway Patrol will aggressively enforce all traffic laws with a special emphasis on seat belts and passing a stopped school bus laws. The Highway Patrol will carry out a "Seat Belt and Stopping for the School Bus" campaign at every high school in Triad area. This will be a continuation of campaigns to increase the use of seat belts and safety around school bus stops. According to a survey conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 46% of high school students dropped off at schools by adults in the morning fail to wearing seat belts. Only 50% of male teens and 56% of female teens riding with adult drivers were buckled up. Troopers will watch for drivers who violate the passing of stopped school buses, and also drivers and passengers that are not using seat belts. Troopers will use Camaros, marked and unmarked patrol vehicles for these campaigns.

School openings in the Triad are:
Person and Lee Counties-August 5, Caswell County-August 6, Rockingham County-August 7, Alamance, Chatham, Guilford and Randolph Counties-August 11, and Orange County-August 12, 2003.

For additional information contact Sergeant A.W. Waddell, at 336-334-5621.

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