RALEIGH ń The N.C. Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to be careful as they enjoy the July 4th holiday. Motorists who travel at posted speeds will not only increase their chances of arriving at their destination safely they will also conserve fuel. There will be an increased presence of Troopers on the interstates and major four lane highways.
Because speed is the leading cause of traffic collisions and fatalities in North Carolina, State Troopers will be cracking down on speeders during the holiday and will be using LIDAR and other speed timing devices to assist them in enforcing the speed laws. Additionally, Troopers will increase patrols on all interstates and major four lane highways during the holiday.
Last year in North Carolina, eight people died and 634 were injured over the July 4th holiday period. The 2009 July 4th holiday begins at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 2 and ends at midnight, Sunday, July 5.
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, and other forms of reckless endangerment.
Reuben Young, Secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, said, “We are committed to doing our part to reduce traffic collisions throughout our state. Motorists should do their part by obeying all traffic laws while traveling to their holiday destination.”
Troopers will also increase their efforts to enforce the state’s litter laws. Troopers will crackdown on litter bugs and keep litter off of North Carolina’s roads. Tougher littering laws passed by the N.C. General Assembly first-time offenders can be fined as much as $1,000 and be ordered to perform up to 24 hours of community service. Repeat offenders can get a $2,000 fine and 50 hours community service.
The Department of Transportation’s Office of Beautification maintains the website where litterbug reports can be submitted. The address is www.dot.state.nc.us/litterbug . The page can also be found by going to the SHP website at www.ncshp.org .
Citizens may report crashes, drunk drivers, stranded motorists or other highway situations to the Highway Patrol by dialing star HP (star 47) on their cellular telephones. This is a toll free call that connects the caller with the nearest Highway Patrol communications center.