RALEIGH, NC — The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) is urging drivers to slow down and consider the life-threatening risks of speeding as law enforcement agencies across the state launch the “Speed A Little. Lose A Lot.” campaign. The initiative runs through April 20 and includes enhanced patrols and checkpoints targeting speeders on North Carolina roadways.

The annual campaign is part of GHSP’s ongoing effort to combat reckless driving and reduce traffic fatalities. Officials emphasize that even small increases in speed can drastically raise the likelihood and severity of crashes.

“We refuse to accept the needless tragedies caused by speeding,” said GHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “This campaign sends a powerful message: drivers who choose to speed will face the consequences. We are determined to make our roads safer for every North Carolinian.”

In 2024, speeding ranked as the fourth leading cause of traffic fatalities in the state. Preliminary data from the N.C. Department of Transportation reports that 373 people lost their lives in speed-related crashes last year.

Speed not only reduces a driver’s control over their vehicle, but it also increases stopping distance. According to the N.C. Driver Handbook, a car traveling at 55 miles per hour requires over 200 feet to stop in ideal conditions.

Colonel Freddy Johnson Jr., commander of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, reinforced the campaign’s urgency: “Speed limits are set to keep all roadway users safe. When a driver exceeds that limit, they’re risking their life, their passengers’ lives, and the lives of everyone around them. It’s a choice—and one that can come with devastating consequences.”

Motorists are reminded that speed enforcement will be visible and widespread through April 20, and that maintaining a safe speed could be the difference between life and death.