Thanksgiving 2018: NC Highway Patrol Plans I-40 Crackdown

MOORESVILLE, NC -- Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means drivers everywhere should be prepared for heightened traffic around the holiday, as well as more highway patrol positioned throughout North Carolina monitoring drivers on major roads.

Hands down, Thanksgiving weekend is the busiest travel weekend of the year in the U.S., and this year will reach peak numbers that haven’t been seen in more than a decade, according to AAA. The auto club predicts that more than 54 million people are planning travel between Nov. 21 and Nov. 25, with almost 49 million expected to do so by vehicle. Consequently, travel times could take up to four times longer than a normal trip, according to the organization.

The added drivers on the road also means law enforcement will be increasing patrols.

North Carolina State Highway Patrol will be participating in an "Thanksgiving I-40 Challenge" alongside law enforcement from seven other states aimed at pushing a zero fatality rate along the more than 2,500-mile-long interstate.

North Carolina troopers will be stationed every 20 miles along I-40, during heavy travel periods between Wednesday, Nov. 21, and Sunday, Nov. 25.

“Our mission is simple; reduce needless collisions in hopes of reporting zero fatalities statewide,” said Col. Glenn McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol, in a statement.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation issued travel advice for this week to update drivers before they leave home how best to avoid travel delays.

NCSHP urges motorist to remember the following tips:

• Plan Ahead - Expect delays and plan to use alternate routes
• Reduce Speed - Speeding is still the leading cause of traffic collisions
• Increase Following Distances – A two-second lead time among vehicles is encouraged
• Avoid Distracted Driving – Driver focus should be solely on driving
• Never Drive Impaired – Plan ahead; designate a sober driver, us a taxi or contact a ride service
• Lane Clearance - If involved in a collision without injury, remove vehicles to shoulder
• Motorists can also assist by contacting *HP if they observe impaired or reckless driving.

Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety