The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program is encouraging drivers to follow the speed limit, as part of a statewide enforcement campaign, Operation Crash Reduction.

As part of a broader initiative led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the campaign, which runs through Sunday, is focused on reducing motor vehicle deaths caused by speeding, distracted driving and other unsafe driving behaviors.

Historically, October has a high number of deadly crashes on North Carolina roadways compared to other months. 

Last year, 156 people in North Carolina lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in October.

According to NHTSA, 29 percent of the 40,901 people who died in motor vehicle crashes nationwide in 2023 were related to speeding. 

An estimated 324,819 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers in 2023.

“Year after year, this campaign works to stop dangerous driving behaviors before they turn deadly,” said Mark Ezzell, director of NCGHSP.  “This week, law enforcement agencies across North Carolina are once again raising awareness and increasing enforcement to remind drivers that safe choices behind the wheel can help save lives.”

Throughout the campaign, North Carolina law enforcement agencies will increase patrols and implement radar operations and speed display signs. “Speeding and distracted driving continue to claim lives on roads across our state,” said Chris Knox, public information officer for the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. “As seasonal road risks rise, we’re reminding all drivers to slow down, stay focused and make safety their top priority behind the wheel."

Law enforcement agencies across the state conducted a total of 1,399 checkpoints and patrols as part of last year’s campaign. These efforts led to:

29,574 total traffic and criminal violations

7,226 speeding violations