For Release: Immediate  Date: Aug 28, 2002

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

"Our goal is to reduce the number of crashes, which will save lives and reduce injuries," said Colonel Richard W. Holden, Commander of the State Highway Patrol. "We are working to put our resources where the needs are, and history tells us that troopers will be busy investigating collisions that involve personal injury and fatalities during the Labor Day holiday period."

"We want to make the highways as safe as possible for our citizens and visitors," said Bryan E. Beatty, Secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, which oversees the Highway Patrol. "Getting to your destination safely should be your only goal; don't try to cut a few minutes off your travel time by speeding or driving aggressively. It's just not worth it," said Beatty.

The Highway Patrol will 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 in which highway patrol and state police agencies increase their visibility along selected routes during holiday periods to prevent crashes.

"Buckling up and slowing down are keys to safe travel, both during the holiday period and year round," said Colonel Holden. "I also encourage everyone to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, take frequent rest stops, and of course, to obey our traffic laws." The Labor Day holiday weekend officially begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30th and ends at midnight, Monday, September 2nd. Last year, there were 1,615 crashes, 1,128 injuries and 23 fatalities statewide during the holiday period. Citizens can report highway problems to the Patrol by dialing *HP (*47) on their cellular phones. The toll-free call goes directly to the nearest Highway Patrol communication center.

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