State Highway Patrol to Conduct 2017 “Operation Drive to Live”

RALEIGH,NC (3/30/2017)…In anticipation of spring break and the beginning of prom season, the State Highway Patrol will conduct Operation “Drive to Live” during the week of April 3rd – April 7th. The operation will be conducted from 6:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. each day. The operation is an initiative by SHP 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% of all distracted driving crashes involving drivers under 20.

In 2016, the Highway Patrol investigated over 57,359 motor vehicle collisions involving drivers and passengers who were between the ages of 15 – 19. Of those collisions, 10,774 injuries were reported and 118 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.