With the beginning of prom season, the North Carolina Highway Patrol will conduct Operation “Drive to Live” during the week of April 20.  The operation will be conducted from 6 a.m. through 5 p.m. each day. The operation is an initiative by the Highway Patrol to reduce the number of teenage related traffic collisions and deaths.

According to National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, young drivers are significantly over represented in fatal crashes, particularly 16- and 17- year-olds. One area that is particularly concerning is distracted driving. Our youngest and most inexperienced drivers are most at risk, with 10 percent of all distracted driving crashes involving drivers under 20.

In 2014, the Highway Patrol investigated more than 48, 711 motor vehicle collisions involving drivers and passengers who were between the ages of 15 to 19 years old. Of those collisions, 9,153 injuries and 113 fatalities were reported.

“The Highway Patrol remains committed to saving the lives of our teenage drivers,” said Col. Bill Grey, commander of the State Highway Patrol. “This will be accomplished through education and if needed, enforcement.”

Troopers will be enforcing all traffic laws around the state’s schools and conducting traffic safety education programs at the high schools prior to the school year ending. Although the campaign is scheduled to last one week, the efforts of the Highway Patrol will continue throughout the year.