With the beginning of prom season, North Carolina Highway Patrol will conduct Operation “Drive to Live” during the week of April 21. 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 16 percent of all distracted driving crashes involving drivers under 20.
In 2013, the Highway Patrol investigated more than 47,013 motor vehicle collisions involving drivers and passengers who were between the ages of 15 and 19. Of those collisions, 86 resulted in one or more fatalities.
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.