NC law enforcement launches campaign to crack down on speeding

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Law enforcement agencies across the state are cracking down on speeding this week.

The Governor’s Highway Safety Program launched a new campaign called “Speed Wrecks Lives.”

From July 22-26, law enforcement agencies will be on highways and major thoroughfares encouraging drivers to slow down, buckle up and avoid distractions on the roads.

“Law enforcement from Murphy to Manteo will be out all across North Carolina doing extra enhanced patrols looking for people who are speeding. It’s important because so far this year 168 people have lost their lives on roads as a result of speed-related crashes,” said Mark Ezell, director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

He told CBS 17 that number is down about 30% from this time last year, but it is still a problem. He warns speeding can cause many dangers, pointing to a damaged vehicle on display at Monday’s event.

“A young driver was driving in Guilford County; lost control of the car driving at excessive speed and was killed. This is a graphic demonstration of the carnage that can result as a result of speed related crashes,” said Ezell.

From 2019 to 2020, the highway safety program says they saw a 17% increase in speed related deaths.

Deputy Chief Boyce with the Raleigh Police Department says they have also seen a number of speed-related crashes, and it’s increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We had over 130 traffic accidents where speed was a factor, and the person was severely injured or killed so we’re trying to reduce that number so the more that we can educate as well as enforcement we’re hoping to reduce that number,” said Boyce.

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