Troopers plan expanded patrols during holiday weekend

Stepped-up enforcement and patrols will be carried out across the state, focusing on motorists speeding and driving aggressively on interstates and major four-lane highways.

Speed is the leading cause of traffic collisions and fatalities in the state. Last year, 13 people died and 422 were injured on state roads over the Independence Day holiday weekend, which officially begins at 6 p.m. Friday and ends at midnight Monday.

“I have instructed our troopers to crackdown on traffic violators on our interstates and to apply strict enforcement to those motorists who are traveling at dangerous speeds or in a careless manner,” Col. Randy Glover, Highway Patrol commander, said in a statement. “Our Troopers will be looking for aggressive drivers, drunk drivers, and other violators while patrolling throughout the state during the holiday week.”

Troopers will also increase their efforts to enforce the state's litter laws. Due to tougher littering laws passed by the General Assembly, first-time offenders can be fined as much as $1,000 and be ordered to perform up to 24 hours of community service. Repeat offenders can get a $2,000 fine and 50 hours community service.