More than 131 people were charged last week during the Roanoke Rapids Police Department’s participation in the statewide Speed a Little, Lose a Lot campaign.

Of the 131, Roanoke Rapids police Chief Shane Guyant said 31 individuals were cited for speeding, three were arrested for DWI, and over 100 individuals were cited for various other motor vehicle violations.  

“We also arrested four individuals for drug violations and five other criminal-related offenses,” he said. “We also apprehended four fugitives from justice. Of note, we also cited 20 people for fire lane parking violations.”

Speeding was the leading factor in deadly car crashes in 2022, said Mark Ezzell, director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “Though a simple message, the reminder to slow down could save lives.”

State and national research shows that traveling at higher speeds increases the risks of crashes and injuries for drivers, pedestrians and others. People have been driving faster in recent decades, as speeds have steadily increased since the first observational survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2002. 

“A driver’s decision to recklessly speed on our roadways impacts not only their safety, but the safety of their passengers and all roadway users,” said Colonel Freddy Johnson Jr., commander of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.  “We are committed to working alongside all of our traffic safety partners to bring awareness through this educational and enforcement campaign until no lives are lost due to another preventable tragedy.”

Guayant praised his department for their part in the effort. “Job well done to the officers of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department in their quest to keep our city safe. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to public safety. If our aggressive efforts last week during this campaign saved a life then we consider that to be worth our efforts.”