The NC Highway Patrol has announced its participation in a nationwide campaign to combat traffic fatalities. The I-95 Drive to Save Lives campaign is a collaborative effort with 14 other states.
On Sat., April 8 through Sun., April 9, troopers will focus their efforts along the I-95 corridor from Maine to Florida, in an attempt to decrease traffic collisions and increase law enforcement visibility. The emphasis of this initiative will be to change the high-risk behaviors associated with distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and the failure of drivers and passengers to use a seat belt. Enforcement of motor carrier violations will also be a priority.
“I am optimistic our efforts will save the lives of several motorists as they travel through our state and throughout the nation”, said Col. Glenn McNeill, commander of the State Highway Patrol.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2015 marked the largest increase in traffic fatalities since 1966. Also, the first half of 2016 revealed a similar pattern of increase. The 1,920 mile stretch along the I-95 corridor has been ranked among the top 10 nationally in fatalities for the past several years. Furthermore, I-95 is the fifth most dangerous interstate in the U.S. with .89 fatalities per mile from 2010 to 2015.
States taking part in the campaign include Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Virginia.
