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For Release: Immediate
Date: July 2, 2002 |
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Everett Clendenin
Phone:(919) 733-5027 (Ext. 233)
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For Release: Immediate
Date: July 2, 2002 |
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Everett Clendenin
Phone:(919) 733-5027 (Ext. 233)
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RALEIGH-- The N.C. Highway Patrol will be participating in several traffic enforcement operations throughout the state during the July 4th holiday week. Troopers will be conducting aggressive driving crack downs in various locations on the state's interstate systems. Special emphasis will be placed on US 17 in Brunswick County, and I-77and I-85 in Mecklenburg, Gaston, and Cleveland Counties. The Patrol's Camaros and unmarked patrol vehicles will be used during these special enforcement projects.
"I have requested that our troopers place special emphasis on removing drunk drivers from the highways," said Colonel Richard W. Holden, Commander of the State Highway Patrol. During the July 4th holiday, the Patrol will be conducting sobriety checkpoints throughout the state in conjunction with the state's "Booze It and Loose It" anti drunk driving campaign. "Our overall goal is to reduce the number of crashes on our highways," said Holden.
"We encourage all motorists to drive sensibly," said Bryan E. Beatty, Secretary of the N. C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, which oversees the Highway Patrol. "Our troopers will be busy this holiday assisting motorists and enforcing the state's traffic laws. Do your part: drive safely, and obey the traffic laws."
Troopers will be participating in the Combined Accident Reduction Effort (CARE) as well. CARE is a nationwide program in which highway patrol and state police agencies across the nation increase their visibility during the holiday period in an effort to prevent crashes.
The July 4th holiday weekend officially begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3rd and ends at midnight, Sunday, July 7th. Statewide last year, there were 642 crashes, 523 injuries, and 6 fatalities during the official holiday period.
Citizens can report highway problems to the Highway 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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