RALEIGH – The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program wants drivers from Murphy to Manteo to slow down and is reinforcing that message with its “Speed A Little, Lose A Lot” campaign through the end of March.

Law enforcement agencies across the state will increase patrols this week to catch speeders.

“Speeding was the leading factor in deadly car crashes in 2022,” said NCGHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “Though a simple message, the reminder to slow down could save lives. We want people to arrive safely to their destinations.”

State and national research shows that traveling at higher speeds increases the risks of crashes and injuries for drivers, pedestrians, and others.

Unfortunately, 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.”