For Release: Immediate  Date: December 23, 2002

F/Sgt. Everette Clendenin Phone:(919) 733-5027 (Ext. 233)

RALEIGH - The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is urging thousands of motorists who will be travelling North Carolina's roadways this holiday season to work with the patrol to ensure everyone has a safe holiday season.

"Holiday travel can be very dangerous on our highways if people don't obey the laws and use common sense when they travel," said Colonel Richard W. Holden, Patrol Commander. "We take impaired driving very seriously and urge everyone to make the right choice - don't drink and drive."

During the holidays, the Patrol will also be participating in the state's "Booze It and Lose It" anti-drunk driving campaign and the national Combined Accident Reduction Effort, (C.A.R.E). Sobriety checkpoints are being held throughout the state during the entire week.

Last year during the Christmas and New Year holiday weekends, 22 people were killed and 1,667 injured on North Carolina's highways. The 2002 Christmas holiday period begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24th, and ends at midnight on Wednesday, December 25th. The New Year holiday period begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31st, and ends at midnight on Wednesday, January 1, 2003.

"Everyone on the highways has a responsibility to make this a safe holiday season," said Bryan E. Beatty, secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, which oversees the Patrol. "Getting to your destination safely should be your only goal; don't try to cut off a few minutes of your drive time by speeding or driving aggressively. It's just not worth it."

Drivers and passengers are also reminded to wear seat belts, slow down, and allow plenty of time to get to your destination. Motorists with cellular phones can report safety hazards to the Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (*47) toll free.

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