TROOPERS ENCOURAGE MOTORISTS TO SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS

For Release: Immediate
Date: December 19, 2003

Everette Clendenin

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

TROOPERS ENCOURAGE MOTORISTS TO SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS

RALEIGH - The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is urging thousands of motorists who will be traveling North Carolina's roadways this holiday season to slow down and work with the Patrol to ensure everyone has a safe holiday season. The leading cause of collisions in North Carolina is speed. The Patrol will be increasing the number of Troopers and Motor Carrier Enforcement officers on the interstates and heavily traveled corridors, targeting aggressive and impaired drivers.

"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, 18 people were killed. The 2003 Christmas holiday period begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24th, and ends at midnight on Thursday, December 25th. The New Year holiday period begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31st, and ends at midnight on Thursday, January 1, 2004.

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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