The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is proud to announce a 40 percent decrease in the number of teenage driver fatalities when compared to last year's rate.

On July 26, 2009 the Highway Patrol had investigated 47 teen driver fatalities.  When compared to the same date a year later, the Highway Patrol has investigated only 28.

“Despite this significant decrease, our job is far from over,” said Col. Randy Glover, commander of the Highway Patrol. “We will continue to look at various ways in which we can build upon this recent reduction. Our goal is to prevent a single teen from losing their life on the highways.”

Operation Drive to Live was conducted in the months of May and June near high schools throughout North Carolina.  Troopers enforced all traffic laws and conducted numerous traffic safety education programs across the state.  The campaign was a collaborative effort between parents, school administrators and community. With the new school year fast approaching, the Highway Patrol will continue to monitor and educate the teenage population on the dangers of irresponsible driving. 

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, 56 percent of fatal crashes occur on rural roads and speed remains to be the leading cause of those deaths.