‘Drive to Live’ campaign underway in NC

GUILFORD COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Today the State Highway Patrol announced the launch of 2017 Operation “Drive to Live.”

The goal of the operation is to reduce the number of teenage crashes and deaths.

According to National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, a significant number of young drivers are involved in fatal crashes, particularly 16 and 17-year-olds.  They’re also high risk for distracted driving. 10 percent of all distracted driving crashes involving drivers under 20.

“Our goal is to combat the teenage driver fatality rate through educating teens on safe driving habits,” said Col. Glenn McNeill, commander of the State Highway Patrol.  “Losing just one child due to a needless collision is one too many.”

 In 2016, the Highway Patrol investigated over 57,359 crashes involving drivers and passengers who were between the ages of 15 and 19. Of those, 10,774 injuries were reported and at least one person died in 118 of those crashes.