Prevent Construction Work Zone Accidents

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Two agencies in North Carolina have begun their annual operation to reduce traffic accidents in work zones across the state.


The N.C. State Highway Patrol and the N.C. Department of Transportation are kicking off Operation Drive Smart 2010. The Highway Patrol will set up enforcement and crack down on excessive speeders in nine work zones from Camden County to Buncombe County.

Troopers will use motorcycles and marked and unmarked patrol vehicles and pay attention to all motorists, including commercial motor vehicle drivers committing serious traffic violations.

According to NCDOT, there were 2,125 work zone crashes resulting in more than 1,200 injuries in 2009. Eleven people were killed.

During Operation Drive Smart 2009, troopers issued more than 500 citations for speed violations in work zones.