In anticipation of spring break and the beginning of prom season, the State Highway Patrol will conduct Operation “Drive to Live” beginning Monday, April 3rd and continuing through Friday, 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 state troopers 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.
In Johnston County, troopers will be enforcing all traffic laws around schools and conducting traffic safety education programs at high schools prior to the school year ending.
