For Release: Immediate  Date: November 26, 2002

Contact:  Sgt. Everett Clendenin Phone:  (919) 733-5027 (ext. 233)

RALEIGH - The N.C. Highway Patrol will put special emphasis on enforcing traffic laws on the Interstates and recognized work zones over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

"Our goal is to reduce crashes, traditionally the Interstates are the busiest roadways in North Carolina during the Thanksgiving holiday period," said Colonel Richard W. Holden, Commander of the State Highway Patrol. "Our troopers will be looking for violations that most frequently cause collisions such as speeding and driving while impaired."

During the Thanksgiving holiday, 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.

"This high-volume holiday travel period is traditionally one of our busiest and deadliest," 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 off a few minutes of your drive time by speeding or driving aggressively. It's just not worth it," said Beatty.

The Thanksgiving holiday weekend officially begins at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27 and ends at midnight, Sunday, December 1. Last year, there were 2,794 crashes, 1,634 injuries and 28 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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