Special to Iredell Free News
RALEIGH — The State Highway Patrol will be on the roadways this holiday season looking to stop dangerous driving before potentially life-changing collisions take place. The SHP joins roadway users across North Carolina in hopes of a safe and happy time for giving thanks with family and friends.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), over 49 million people will travel by automobile across our nation over the Thanksgiving holiday. In anticipation of the increased number of vehicles that will travel here in North Carolina, troopers will be out in full force with the goal of reporting zero fatalities.
“This holiday season is a special time for many across our state,” said Col. Glenn McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “We as an agency will work tirelessly to keep this a joyous time for families and not one marred by the loss of a loved one from a traffic collision.”
The NCSHP will once again participate in the “Care Across America I-40 Challenge,” a joint campaign among eight states along the Interstate 40 corridor. The campaign will take place on the busiest travel days of the holiday, kicking off on Wednesday, November 27, and concluding Sunday, December 1. During the event, troopers will patrol I-40 with the ultimate goal of ensuring safe travel.
Safety Tips
Motorists can assist with safe travel by following a few simple tips:
♦ Don’t Drive Distracted: Place cell phones on Do Not Disturb Mode and keep both hands on the wheel at all times.
♦ Always wear a seat belt: No matter the time of day or your seating position, a seat belt should be put on before starting your travel.
♦ Never drive while impaired: Use one of the many safe alternatives to driving after consuming, plan ahead to ensure a safe end to the evening.
♦ Maintain a safe speed and reduce speeds during inclement weather. Remember the speed limit is set for ideal driving conditions.
♦ Check traffic conditions throughout North Carolina being starting your travel at DriveNC.Gov
♦ Motorists can assist the SHP by contacting *HP (47) if they observe dangerous driving.