CPRPO News

“Speeding Catches Up With You” Campaign Targets Dangerous Driving

Statewide enforcement campaign takes place July 21-27

RALEIGH – Speeding is one of the most frequent traffic violations, but its consequences can be deadly.

The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program  and law enforcement agencies statewide are launching a weeklong initiative called “Speeding Catches Up With You” to crack down on speeding.

“Speeding remains one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities on our roads,” said Mark Ezzell, director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “This campaign reminds drivers that no destination is worth the cost of a life. Speeding is dangerous. It’s illegal, and it will catch up with you.”

Today through July 27, drivers can expect to see increased law enforcement presence on highways and local roads. Officers will focus on identifying and stopping drivers who exceed posted speed limits or engage in aggressive driving behavior.

In 2024, speed-related crashes in North Carolina led to nearly 400 deaths and thousands of preventable injuries. 

This speed campaign is one of GHSP’s many year-round initiatives that promote safe driving through education, enforcement and community partnerships. 

Drivers are encouraged to:

– Obey all posted speed limits. 
– Allow extra time to reach their destinations. 
– Stay alert and avoid distractions. 
– Always drive sober and buckle up. 

***NCDOT***

CPRPO News

‘Speed A Little. Lose A Lot’ Campaign Launches Statewide

Law enforcement increasing patrols to crack down on speeders

RALEIGH – The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) is reminding drivers that speeding has life-threatening consequences.

Now through April 20, law enforcement officers throughout the state will conduct speed patrols and checkpoints to catch speeders.

The “Speed A Little. Lose A Lot.” initiative is one of many annual GHSP campaigns to curb reckless driving. The campaign emphasizes that even a small increase in speed significantly increases the risk of severe or fatal 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 was categorized as the fourth leading factor in crash fatalities in North Carolina. A preliminary report from the N.C. Department of Transportation states that 373 people died due to speed-related crashes.

Driving at high speeds is dangerous and decreases the driver’s ability to control the vehicle. In ideal weather conditions, a vehicle traveling 55 miles per hour will require more than 200 feet to stop completely, according to the N.C. Driver Handbook.

“Speed limits are set to keep all roadway users safe,” said Colonel Freddy Johnson Jr., commander of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. “Maintaining the speed limit not only reduces the severity of a crash, but it will ultimately minimize the likelihood of being involved in a crash in the first place. When the operator of a vehicle drives above the speed limit, they are putting their lives, their passengers’ lives and the lives of those they are sharing the roadway within harm’s way.  Drivers have a choice to obey the speed limit, but it’s a choice that can have very big consequences if they don’t follow the law.”  

***NCDOT***