NC troopers step up enforcement against speeders

RALEIGH -- State troopers are stepping up enforcement of speed limits on interstate and major four-lane highways across North Carolina for the next two weeks. The Highway Patrol said Monday the effort dubbed "Operation Slowdown" was aimed at encouraging motorists to drive the speed limits and help reduce highway fatalities. Reuben Young is secretary of the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety and said speed was the leading cause of 359 traffic deaths in the past four years. Officials also said speed was the cause of more than 14,000 injuries sustained in more than 50,000 collisions. The enforcement runs through Feb. 22. Troopers said speeders can be reported to the Highway Patrol by dialing *HP on cellular phones. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)