In anticipation of spring break and prom season, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is once again conducting Operation Drive to Live, an annual campaign to reduce collisions involving teen drivers. Beginning Monday, April 8 through Friday, April 12, troopers will step up their enforcement in and around school zones between 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

In 2018, the Highway Patrol investigated over 55,261 motor vehicle collisions involving drivers and passengers who were between the ages of 15 and 19. Of those collisions, 10,287 injuries were reported and 94 resulted in one or more fatalities. According to National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, young drivers are significantly over-represented in fatal crashes, particularly those who are 16 to19-year-olds. Immaturity and inexperience are primary factors contributing to fatal crashes by young drivers, especially during the first six months of driving.

This year, SHP is focusing on distracted driving, one of the leading causes of teen-related crashes. Cell phones, passengers and other electronic devices are just some of the distractions that can lead to needless collisions involving injury or death.

With this in mind, SHP has partnered with the Johnston County (JoCo) Teen Drivers Club, to produce PSAs on the dangers associated with distracted driving.  The PSAs will be featured throughout the week on the SHP’s Facebook page in hopes of combating distracted driving collisions.

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