RALEIGH, NC -- The NC State Highway Patrol will be targeting speeders and aggressive drivers on North Carolina interstates and major four lane highways through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the agency announced this week. Last year 9 motorists were killed and 402 were injured on North Carolina highways during the holiday period.
 
“I have instructed our Troopers to crackdown on speeders and aggressive drivers this holiday weekend; speed is the leading cause of fatal collisions on our highways,” said Colonel Michael Gilchrist, Commander of the State Highway Patrol. “Our goal is to ensure that all motorists arrive at 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.
 
The Thanksgiving holiday weekend officially begins at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 and ends at midnight, Sunday, Nov. 27.
 
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.