RALEIGH -- The Highway Patrol will be targeting speeders and aggressive drivers on North Carolina interstates and major four lane highways through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Operation Slow Down began Monday, November 16th and will end on Sunday, November 29th. Last year 25 motorists were killed and 1,870 were injured on North Carolina highways during the holiday.

"I have instructed our Troopers to crackdown on speeders this holiday weekend; speed is the leading cause of fatal collisions on our highways," said Colonel Randy Glover, Commander of the State Highway Patrol. "Our goal is to ensure that all motorists arrive to their destinations in a safe and timely manner".

Speed and aggressive drivers are the leading cause of traffic deaths in our state. The aggressive driver has been identified as those drivers who flagrantly violate the motor vehicle laws, including but not limited to:

excessive speeding, following too closely, erratic lane changes, safe movement violations, and other forms of reckless endangerment.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., *C*ombined *A*ccident *R*eduction *E*ffort.

The Thanksgiving holiday weekend officially begins at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25th and ends at midnight, Sunday, November 29th.

Citizens can report highway problems to the Patrol by dialing **HP* (*47) on their cellular phones. The toll-free call goes directly to the nearest Highway Patrol communication center.