NC State Highway Patrol prioritizes safe driving this holiday weekend

The State Highway Patrol (SHP) is making safe driving its priority this holiday weekend.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in 2019 more than 9,000 people died nationwide in crashes involving speeding. Kristen Kozar, an investigator with the Durham Police Department's (DPD) traffic and collision team, said in a 2021 interview that 40% of fatal crashes in Durham have speeding as a factor.

"It’s important to us that people are safe on the roadways, especially during the holidays," she said. "Thanksgiving is one of the most traveled holidays throughout the year."

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The SHP is anticipating an increase in traffic with many Americans planning to travel for the holidays. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), an expected 49 million people will travel by automobile across our nation during the holiday weekend.

Members of the SHP will increase visibility on highly traveled roadways to promote safe driving.

The DPD will also have more officers on the road as part of their annual Thanksgiving speed limit enforcement operation.

Kozar said increased patrolling during the holidays is not about tricking people or playing hide-and-seek. The department's goal is to make sure drivers make it safely to their Thanksgiving meal, she said.

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Officers will be patrolling Interstate 85 in Durham County, which is one of the most dangerous areas in the county.

Once again, the SHP will partner with the North Carolina Governors Highway Safety Program for their annual Thanksgiving “Click It or Ticket” campaign. The campaign's goal is to encourage people to wear seatbelts to reduce preventable injuries and deaths in collisions.

“We continue to set the bar high, and having no lives lost on our roadways this holiday season is our goal,” said Col. Freddy L. Johnson Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “Every driver has an opportunity to help us attain this goal by slowing down, avoiding operating a vehicle while impaired and insisting that all occupants in their vehicle wear a seatbelt.”

These safe driving principles can help to ensure safe holiday travel:

- Don’t drive distracted.

- Avoid technological devices while operating a vehicle.

- Ensure all occupants are properly restrained in weight appropriate restraint devices, day or night.

- Never drive while impaired. Have a plan and take advantage of the multiple ride sharing avenues available.

- Obey the speed limit. The faster you drive, the longer it takes to stop your vehicle.

- Check traffic conditions before starting your travel at drivenc.gov.

As always, motorists can contact the SHP by dialing *HP(47) if law enforcement assistance is needed.