According to the American Automobile Association, it is estimated that 34.8 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday period.
As a friendly reminder, the Highway Patrol is advising motorists to be careful as they enjoy the July 4th holiday. Motorists who slow down and travel at posted speeds will not only increase their chances of arriving at their destination safely but will also conserve fuel.
Speed is the leading cause of traffic collisions and fatalities in the state. Troopers will be cracking down on speeders during the holiday and will be using speed timing devices to assist them in enforcing the speed laws. There will be an increased presence of troopers on the interstates, major four-lane highways and rural paved roads across North Carolina.
Last year in North Carolina, from July 3-8 2013, 14 people died and 561 were injured over the holiday period.
Troopers will target aggressive drivers who tend to cause the most crashes. The aggressive driver has been identified as those drivers who flagrantly violate the motor vehicle laws, including but not limited to: excessive speeding, following too closely, erratic lane changes, safe movement violations, texting while driving and other forms of reckless endangerment.
“Throughout the Independence Day weekend, the Highway Patrol will be working to insure that everyone has a safe and happy holiday.” said Col. Bill Grey, Highway Patrol commander. “We continually work to educate the public about the hazards of impaired driving; unfortunately, some people will still choose to get behind the wheel while impaired. Rest assured, the people we cannot reach through education we will do our best to reach through enforcement.”
Citizens may report crashes, drunk drivers, stranded motorists or other highway situations to the Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (*47) on their cellular telephones. This is a toll-free call that connects the caller with the nearest Highway Patrol communications center.