Troopers say patrols kept holiday accidents down
By Lee Williams
Published in News on November 28, 2006 1:45 PM
High visibility patrols are what troopers say reduced the number of traffic accidents on Wayne County roads despite the increased number of drivers on the highways over the Thanksgiving holiday.
More than 16 local state troopers conducted license checks at various times from midnight Nov. 22 to Sunday hoping to catch speeders and other violators.
Troopers concentrated their efforts on U.S. 117 and 70, which are designated Combined Accident Reduction Effort or C.A.R.E. highways, Trooper B.W. Overton said. However, they also set up license checks on other highways in the county, too, he added.
"Thanksgiving is a heavily traveled holiday and of course your main roads, U.S. 117 and 70, are used more than others, and therefore they are designated C.A.R.E. highways and that's why we concentrate our efforts on those roads," Overton said.
Along C.A.R.E. highways, troopers logged four accidents and made five DWI arrests. No traffic-related fatalities were reported, Overton said.
Along all highways in Wayne County, troopers netted five DWI arrests. They also issued 85 citations for speeding, 19 for seat belt violations, two for child-safety restraint and two alcohol-related accidents. Troopers also assisted 26 motorists, Overton added.
Overton said he was pleased with the results.
"We had only four traffic accidents and no fatalities and I think that's outstanding for the amount of traffic that was out there," Overton said. "I think that's a direct reflection of the troopers on the scene. They are making a difference."