Topics Related to State Highway Patrol

Gov. Roy Cooper proclaimed April Distracted Driving Awareness Month to draw attention to the non-driving activities that can take our eyes off the road, hands off the wheel or interrupt our concentration. While drivers texting is the leading cause of distracted driving incidents, there are other risky activities that are just as dangerous. Any action that causes a driver’s eyes or attention to shift from the road is considered distracted driving, including eating or drinking, putting on makeup, adjusting the radio volume or even engaging with other passengers in the vehicle.

Lieutenant Colonel Donna Carter is the first female to achieve her current rank in the NC State Highway Patrol (NCSHP). She joined the Patrol in 1997 as a recruit in the 98th Basic Patrol School, where she graduated alongside two other women cadets. 

After graduating from college, Lt. Col. Carter started her professional career as a physical education teacher.  She noticed the professionalism of troopers at events such as the NC State Fair and was drawn to this challenging career path to see if she could persevere the difficult basic training.

Collisions and other road incidents can happen any time, anywhere, no matter the experience level of the driver. One of the safest choices both drivers and passengers can make in a vehicle is to wear a seat belt. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that in 2017, seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives. In that same year, 47 percent of those killed in motor vehicle crashes were not wearing a seat belt.

Memorial Day typically marks the beginning of summer travel, but this year has been anything but typical. Many will choose to remain "Safer at Home" this weekend even as North Carolina moves into Phase 2 easing COVID-19 restrictions. Still, others will choose to venture out. For those who choose to travel, here's a list of highway driving tips that can help ensure you and others on the road arrive safely, 

Law enforcement and first responders work tirelessly to keep the public safe day and night. They navigate the roads, especially in times of emergencies, to ensure that everyone remains safe. During these times, it is important that drivers respond correctly to qualified vehicles with flashing lights (e.g. law enforcement, EMS, fire, tow truck and utility vehicles). Let’s briefly review procedures to ensure the roadways are safe for the public, law enforcement and first responders.

Do you know how to respond when an emergency happens while in your vehicle? 

Driving requires you to be safe and attentive at all times. Many things you encounter on the road are out of your control. Do you know how to respond safely when certain situations happen to your car while driving? Troopers from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol suggest drivers follow the quick tips below to enure they know how to safely navigate emergencies while behind the wheel.

The holidays are upon us and that means people will be hitting the road. AAA estimates that 49.3 million travelers will be on roadways this year, and that will be the most since 2005. With more traffic on the streets, drivers can expect delays and an increased risk of accidents. Here’s a list of highway driving tips that can help ensure you and others on the road arrive safe.

State Highway Patrol troops across the state participated in “Operation Clear Track” on Tuesday, Sept. 24, as part of 2019 Rail Safety Week (Sept. 22-28). “Operation Clear Track” is the largest railroad initiative in the U.S. and saw more than 600 law enforcement agencies in 48 states participate this year.

During the initiative, troopers were staffed at crossings to distribute safety cards and enforce grade crossings and trespassing laws.

When Jim Thomas started collecting law enforcement patches when he was 21-years-old, little did he know that a handful of patches would grow to be one of the most comprehensive collections of NC State Highway Patrol history that exists today.

On July 1, 1929, after the General Assembly authorized the State Highway Patrol’s creation, 37 individuals took an oath of office and became North Carolina’s first state troopers. These patrol members monitored miles of highway on Harley Davidson motorcycles, enforcing motor vehicle laws and assisting the motoring public.