Flag Alert: Lowering U.S. & NC Flags in Honor of Master Trooper Steven James Perry

 Governor Josh Stein today ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on March 11 in honor of Durham County Master Trooper Steven J. Perry, who died in the line of duty Sunday, March 1.

 

A member of the 148th Basic Patrol School, Trooper Perry served Durham County for nearly 7 years. Services for Trooper Perry will be held in Cary on Wednesday, March 11.

 

"North Carolina suffered a tragedy when a state trooper was killed in the line of duty in a traffic crash," said Governor Josh Stein. "Master Trooper Steven Perry dedicated his career to keeping people in Durham County safe. Please join me in keeping his loved ones and the law enforcement community in our thoughts and prayers. May his memory be a blessing."

  

Join us   

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are also
encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the time indicated. 

Officer Down Memorial Page [LINK]

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Lowering of U.S. and NC Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of State Highway Patrol Trooper John S. Horton

Governor Roy Cooper ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities be lowered to half staff from sunrise to sunset January 7, 2022 in honor of State Highway Patrol Trooper John S. Horton, who died while on duty Monday. He was a 15-year state highway patrol veteran assigned to Rutherford County. Services for Trooper Horton will be held on Friday, January 7 on the campus of Isothermal Community College located at 172 Rapid Court, Forest City, NC 28160.

Statement from Governor Roy Cooper: “State Highway Patrol Trooper John Horton served our state with honor and devotion. We are forever grateful for his service, and our deep condolences and prayers are with his fellow troopers, friends and family.”

Join us

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.

Background

North Carolina flag announcements are issued in accordance to regulations outlined in the US Flag Code.

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Memorial Day Click It or Ticket It Campaign Kicks Off Law enforcement will conduct checkpoints May 24-June 6

Click It or Ticket is the Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s primary campaign to boost the use of seat belts and child safety seats.

During Click It or Ticket enforcement and education campaigns, law enforcement agencies increase the number of patrols and officers in an area, set up checking stations, and use local media to reach out to drivers.

Violators of North Carolina’s seat belt law are fined $180 (or $266 if a passenger under age 16 is not properly restrained). That doesn't include the potential cost of a lost life.

North Carolina’s Click It or Ticket campaign was the first in the nation and is now used as the model by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Even with its success, more than 11,900 people have lost their lives since 1993 because they did not take a couple of seconds to buckle up.

The N.C. Governor's Highway Safety Program (a sponsor of this news organization) and NCDOT held a virtual press event on May 24, 2021 in support of this year's Memorial Day Click It or Ticket program by the NC Highway Patrol.



RALEIGH – As the busy summer traveling season nears, state transportation officials are reminding people to wear their seat belts to reduce the risk of being seriously injured or killed.

More than 500 people who were not wearing seat belts or buckled into child safety seats died in vehicle crashes on North Carolina roadways last year.

“Seat belts and child safety seats save lives,” said Eric Boyette, secretary of the N.C. Department of Transportation. “We know that not wearing a seat belt can be the worst decision you’ll ever make.”

Boyette spoke Monday during a virtual news conference to kick off the Memorial Day Click It or Ticket It enforcement and education campaign.

The statewide seat belt usage rate has fallen the past two years – from 91.3% in 2018 to 87.1% last year. The details about the seat belt survey can be found in the 2020 report.

“We have seen significant drops in our seat belt usage rate all across the state, so we have a lot of work to do to get the participation rate back up again,” said Mark Ezzell, director of the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP). “We are ramping up those education efforts now.”

The state will survey seat belt usage again in June.

The State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies will have checkpoints at various locations around the state, starting today and lasting through June 6. The Governor’s Highway Safety Program, which is an arm of the NCDOT, provides grants to law enforcement agencies for various traffic safety initiatives, including campaigns such as this.

Col. Freddy L. Johnson Jr., commander of the N.C. State Highway Patrol, and Grady Hunt, a member of the N.C. Board of Transportation and the chairman of the Robeson County Vision Zero task force, joined Boyette and Ezzell in the virtual news conference.

When North Carolina launched the Click It or Ticket initiative in 1993, only 64 percent of North Carolinians used their seat belts.

This month, the GHSP began a seat belt public awareness campaign with television ads airing in Robeson and Columbus counties, as well as in the Charlotte market, where seat belt usage rates have fallen in the past few years. The campaign features “local heroes" – members of law enforcement agencies in North Carolina – carrying out seat belt laws to protect the community. The two videos can be found at the top of the GHSP YouTube playlist.

North Carolina law requires all passengers in a vehicle to be properly restrained and violations are punishable by fines of up to $180. Children younger than 8 years and under 80 pounds must be properly restrained in an approved child safety seat or booster seat. If a passenger under 16 is not properly restrained, the driver faces a $266 fine.

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Their phone number is 371-4718.

They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.


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Published at 10:27am on Sunday, May 24, 2021

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No Injuries From Aircraft Crash at Macon County Airport

At 3:15pm on Thursday, March 11, 2021, there was a report of an aircraft crash at the Macon County Airport. [LINK] A Cessna 421B (tail registration N80056) owned by DuoTech of Franklin ran off the runway this afternoon, sliding in a field for some distance before knocking over a fence and coming to rest in a corner of Liberty Wood Products. According to an eyewitness, there was a pilot and two passengers onboard the aircraft. Everyone on the aircraft exited the plane without injury before fire consumed the twin-engine Cessna. The day before the crash, the aircraft had completed a 52-minute flight testing the "Cessna Airborne Radar Test Platform" on a flight that took it into Georgia and back from 2:01pm to 2:53pm.

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Macon Media is being underwritten today by Franklin Health and Fitness, home of #ResultsForEveryone. Try FHF with a FREE 3-Day Guest Pass! To claim your pass, and to learn more about Franklin Health and Fitness, visit franklinhealthandfitness.com.

Macon County EMS, Franklin Fire Department, Burningtown Fire Department, Cowee Fire Department, and West Macon Fire Department responded to assist with extinguishing the fire. The Fire Marshall and other personnel established a hazard mitigation downstream from the crash in case fuel leaked into Iotla Creek, which runs to the northeast and drains into the Little Tennessee River. The Macon County Sheriff's Office responded to provide scene security and the North Carolina Highway Patrol responded with several units to gather information for the investigation. One trooper was observed measuring the distance the aircraft slid before coming to rest. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) will conduct a thorough investigation and Macon Media will share that information once it is released.

Here is a preliminary report of the incident from the NC Highway Patrol:

At about 3:16 p.m. the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to an aircraft crash at the Macon County Airport. A twin-engine Cessna 421 B was attempting to take off and ran off the end of the runway catching fire and sustained extensive damage. The pilot of the aircraft and two passengers escaped the aircraft without injuries. The incident is currently being investigated by the FAA and NTSB.

Nine years ago (on March 16, 2012), five people were killed in a crash at the airport. [LINK]

A pilot walked away from a crash landing near the Ledford Stretch section of the Georgia Road (US-441) on November 16, 2018.[LINK]

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Published at 8:25pm on Thursday, March 11, 2021

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US and NC Flags to Remain at Half-Staff in Honor of State Highway Patrol Trooper Nolan J. Sanders

File photo of Macon County Courthouse



Governor Roy Cooper ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to remain lowered to half-staff until sunset Friday, April 3, 2020 in honor of State Highway Patrol Trooper Nolan J. Sanders who passed away while in the line of duty in Wayne County on Friday, March 27. Trooper Sanders joined the State Highway Patrol in 2015. Prior to this role, he served as a deputy with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.

Governor Cooper released the following statement on Friday:

"We are mourning the loss of NC Highway Patrol Trooper Nolan Sanders who died in the line of duty in a car accident. Kristin and I are grateful for his courage and commitment to protecting North Carolinians. We send our prayers and deepest sympathy to his family, friends and all members of the NC Highway Patrol family."

As a show of respect, individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the duration of time indicated.

Please note, all North Carolina flag announcements are issued in accordance to regulations outlined in the US Flag Code.



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Lowering of United States and North Carolina Flags in Honor of NC State Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Conner

PRESS RELEASE
NC Governor's Office
Raleigh, NC
October 17, 2018

Governor Roy Cooper has ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff at sunrise on Thursday, October 18, 2018 through sunset on Sunday, October 21, 2018 in honor of North Carolina State Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Conner who died in the line of duty in Columbus County on Wednesday.

Governor Cooper released the following statement:

"The tragic loss of Trooper Kevin Conner of the NC State Highway Patrol weighs heavily on our hearts. We are forever grateful for his devoted service and selfless commitment to protecting the people of North Carolina. Our prayers are with his family and friends and his colleagues in law enforcement."





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Read more about Trooper Conner [LINK]


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If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

Published at 7:16 pm on October 17, 2018

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Trooper Fatally Shot While Conducting Traffic Stop

PRESS RELEASE 
NC DEPT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
October 17,2018


At approximately 12:15 a.m. on Wednesday, October 17, a state trooper stopped a white GMC pickup truck for a speeding violation on US 701 near Sellers Town Rd in Columbus County. The driver of the pickup pulled over onto the shoulder and the trooper made his initial approach. The driver of the pickup then fired several shots, striking the trooper.

After assaulting the trooper, the driver fled the scene, traveling into Fair Bluff. Local police attempted to stop the vehicle and the driver fled, initiating a brief pursuit. The driver of the pickup then fled on foot after his vehicle became disabled while attempting to cross over a railroad crossing. After an extensive search, authorities located the driver and placed him in custody without incident. He was transported to the Columbus County Jail by investigators.

The trooper has been identified as Kevin K. Conner, an 11-year veteran, assigned to Troop B, District 5 (Columbus County). Trooper Conner succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a local hospital.

“The Highway Patrol family is mourning the loss of a hero and will forever be changed by the tragic events that have occurred”, said Colonel Glenn McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “We ask everyone to please keep Trooper Conner’s family and all who knew him in your thoughts and prayers.”

“We extend our deepest sympathy to Trooper Conner’s family”, said Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks. “Trooper Conner was killed while protecting and serving his community. We mourn our loss and will continue to support his family. We are grateful for his service and honor the men and women who serve in harm’s way, each and every day.”

The suspect will be identified in a forthcoming release. Charges are pending a further investigation.

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Become a Patron!
If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

Published at 9:50 am on October 17, 2018

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Daily Weather Briefing for Wednesday, July 26, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

An accident on US23/74 in Haywood County at about 2:53 pm on Tuesday claimed the lives of two people and seriously injured a trooper working for the North Carolina Highway Patrol. The road was closed for several hours and traffic diverted until the road was opened again at 11:15 pm after the State Highway Patrol Reconstruction Unit finished investigating he accident and then the vehicles and debris was removed from the roadway.

Real time updates on the traffic situation was provided by and for motorists on Facebook by Macon Media and the WNC Road Warriors Facebook Group.

Read more about the accident at the following locations:

WLOS-TV

2 Dead, Trooper Airlifted

Haywood County Crash Snarls Traffic

WRGC-AM

Deadly Accident in Haywood County

The Mountaineer Newspaper

Accident Details Emerge

Serious Accident Shuts Down US 23/74

LOCAL OUTLOOK

High pressure moving by to the north is expected to provide cooler temperatures today. Another front will move in from the northwest late in the week, with cooler and drier conditions arriving behind it for the weekend.

DAY SPONSOR

The Southeastern Private Property and Federal Land Use Conference in Bryson City is underwriting Macon Media today.

The Southeastern Private Property and Federal Land Use Conference will be taking place in Bryson City on Saturday, July 29th. The purpose of the conference is to examine how the shrinking amount of taxable private property in rural counties leads to below-average economic conditions for businesses and people in those areas. Additionally, the conference will focus on the changing management of federal lands and how this affects rural counties and forest users in the mountains. Learn more about the conference and how you can attend at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-southeastern-private-property-and.html

WEATHER SPONSOR



Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for the month. They have all your masonry products (block, mortars, tools), plus feature Belgrade Pavers and Sakrete Products. Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Adams.Oldcastle.Franklin.NC/

Their phone number is 828.524.8545, all are welcome, let them help you with your next project.


Weather Almanac for July 26th (1872-2016)

Record weather events for this date in Macon County

Highest Temperature 94°F in Franklin in 1999
Lowest Temperature 39°F in Highlands in 1911
Greatest Rainfall 3.06 inches in Highlands in 1943

Record weather events for July in Macon County

Highest Temperature 101°F in Franklin on July 29, 1952
Lowest Temperature 34°F in Highlands on July 27, 1911
Greatest Rainfall 21.15 inches in Highlands on July 29, 1879


THREE DAY OUTLOOK

TODAY



Patchy fog, dense in some locations, in the morning. Sunny with highs in the upper 80s and calm winds. Slight chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 pm.

TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy with fog developing after midnight and lows in the upper 60s. Calm winds. Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before midnight.



THURSDAY

Patchy fog in the morning. Partly sunny with highs in the mid-80s and calm winds in the morning, then from the southwest in the afternoon. Chances of scattered showers and thunderstorms increase through the afternoon.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the mid-60s and out of the southwest. Scattered showers and thunderstorms.



FRIDAY

Mostly cloudy with highs in the low-80s. Showers and thunderstorms are likely.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with lows in the mid-60s. Showers are likely.

HAZARDS

Hazardous weather is not expected.

For more information on dealing with excessive heat, please check out http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/

As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN



TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Wed Jul 26 2017

For the North Atlantic...The Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

1. A tropical wave, located a few hundred miles south of the Cabo Verde Islands, is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Some slow development of this system is possible this weekend as it moves westward at 10 to 15 mph.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days...low...20 percent.


MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphic. Please include date(s) and time(s).
There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.

Wednesday, August 2nd

7:00 p.m. in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room- "A Trip to the Moon and Beyond: The fantastical science fiction silent films of George Melies"
Each short film will be presented with a LIVE soundtrack featuring musicians Tyler Kittle and Michael Libramento.

Free and open to the public.


September 27th, WEDNESDAY

HOSPICE HOUSE FOUNDATION OF WNC

PEACEFUL JOURNEY
3rd annual charity dining event
hosted by RISTORANTE PAOLETTI at 440 Main Street in Highlands

For information, visit http://hhfwnc.org/peaceful-journey/


National Alliance on Mental Illness
Appalachian South

Meets each Thursday at 7pm
The First Methodist Church Outreach Center
at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street
(directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)

Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.

Here you will find:
— others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE
- learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience
- help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health
- how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future

Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)

SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is impacting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.



Astronomy

Twilight Begins: 6:09 am
Sunrise: 6:38 am
Sunset 8:41 pm
Twilight Ends: 9:09 pm

Day Length (Sunrise to Sunset) 14 h 3 m
(1 min shorter than yesterday)


Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent with 11% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.
The next New Moon will occur during a total solar eclipse at 2:36:40 pm on August 21, 2017.

Moonrise 10:05 a.m.
Moonset 11:05 p.m.


Sky Guides for this week

Sky and Telescope Magazine 
Astronomy Magazine


Earth Sky has an article on the eclipses of 2017. [LINK]

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia


Published at 4:15 am on July 26, 2017

#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center. 

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Halloween 2013 “Booze It & Lose It” Campaign Gets Underway

This post is sponsored by the Governor's Highway Safety Program.



BOOZE IT AND LOSE IT

RALEIGH – Ghosts, goblins and witches are not the scariest things roaming around this Halloween – drunk drivers are. The Governor’s Highway Safety Program today kicked off its Halloween “Booze It & Lose It” campaign to catch those drivers who create frightening situations on the road by driving drunk.

“Halloween is already full of terror without adding drunk driving to the mix,” said Don Nail, director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “We encourage those celebrating to take a cab or designate a sober driver to ensure they make it home safely.”

So far this year, approximately 239 alcohol-related fatalities have occurred in North Carolina. Law enforcement officers across the state are holding checkpoints and stepping up patrols to ensure that number does not rise during Halloween.

To remind motorists about the dangers of driving drunk, the N.C. Department of Transportation and GHSP created this public service announcement. They urge people to share the video with family and friends, so they will know the deadly consequences of getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol.

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School Bus Safety Tips

The first day of school in Macon County is next Monday, August 26th. So, be on the lookout for slow moving school buses and for children on the side of the road.

Here is the law in North Carolina regarding when drivers are required to stop for school buses:

When a school bus is displaying its mechanical stop signal or flashing red lights and the bus is stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers, the driver of any other vehicle that approaches the school bus from any direction on the same street, highway, or public vehicular area shall bring that other vehicle to a full stop and shall remain stopped. The driver of the other vehicle shall not proceed to move, pass, or attempt to pass the school bus until after the mechanical stop signal has been withdrawn, the flashing red stoplights have been turned off, and the bus has started to move. 

If you see someone violating the North Carolina School Bus Law (NCGS 20-217), please download and use these documents after you have called *HP on your cell phone.  Report of violation of School Bus Law (G. S. 20-217) 
(MS Doc file) or (PDF file)

School Bus Safety Tips from the North Carolina Highway Patrol

PRESS RELEASE
NORTH CAROLINA HIGHWAY PATROL

RALEIGH- As the school year begins, more than 700,000 students will be transported on school buses each day across North Carolina. Nationally, more than 450,000 public school buses travel about 4.3 billion miles a year to transport over 23.5 million children to and from school and school-related activities. Sadly, on the average five to six children are killed and about 5,500 are injured in school bus related accidents each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The most dangerous part of the school bus ride is when children get on and off the bus. Loading and unloading is where children are in the most danger of not being seen by the bus driver. Specifically, the area 10-feet in front of the bus where the driver may be too high to see a child; 10-feet on either side of the bus, where a child may be in the driver’s blind spot; and the area behind the bus. Many pedestrian fatalities in school-bus related crashes are children between 5 and 7 years old.

To prevent these needless deaths and injuries, drivers, children and parents are advised to follow a few simple safety tips:

Drivers

•When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school.

•When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking of getting there safely.

•Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in neighborhood.

•Slow down. Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops.

•Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.

Learn and obey the school bus laws in your state. Learn the "flashing signal light system" that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions:

•Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.

•Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.


Children


•Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

•When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.

•Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it's okay before stepping onto the bus.

•If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.

•Use the handrails to avoid falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with draw strings, and book bags with straps don't get caught in the handrails or doors.

•Never walk behind the bus.
Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.

•If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.

Parents


Teach children to follow these common sense practices to make school bus transportation safer.

Keeping our children safe takes teamwork and together we can make a difference!

For more information on North Carolina’s Stop Arm Law, please go to the following link: http://www.ncbussafety.org/SchoolBusSafety/SBSWlaw.html

For more information on Highway Safety, please contact First Sergeant Jeff Gordon at (919)733-5027 or Jeff.Gordon@ncdps.gov.

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Governor’s Highway Safety Program Celebrates 20th Anniversary of "Click It or Ticket"

PRESS RELEASE
NC Governor's Highway Safety Program

RALEIGH – The state of North Carolina was not just First in Flight. It was also the first state in the nation to launch an innovative seat belt safety awareness campaign called “Click It or Ticket.” Starting Monday, May 20, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program will celebrate the campaign’s 20th anniversary.

“We’re proud of the hard work we’ve put into making this campaign a model adopted today by every state in the country,” said N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Tony Tata. “We know the impact of “Click It or Ticket” is far reaching – saving countless lives not just in North Carolina but nationwide.”

Since the Governor’s Highway Safety Program launched “Click It or Ticket” in 1993, the number of reported crashes, fatalities and injuries involving unbelted passengers has dropped dramatically in North Carolina. Law enforcement officers responded to 38,289 crashes involving unbelted passengers in 1992, the year before the campaign started. By 2012, the totals dropped to 8,187.

“We credit the effectiveness of our “Click It or Ticket” campaign for dramatically reducing the number of crashes involving people who didn’t buckle up,” said Don Nail, interim director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “But, there are still North Carolinians who don’t wear their seat belt when they get behind the wheel. Until every person in our state abides by the law, we’ll continue to lead the way in seat belt safety awareness.”

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign runs through the Memorial Day holiday weekend and ends on June 2. During that time, law enforcement officers will step up patrols statewide and cite those who do not buckle up.

NCDOT produced a public service announcement to remind drivers and passengers that wearing a seat belt during a crash not only reduces your chances of suffering critical injuries or even death by 50 percent, but will also save you $161 in fines if you are caught without your seat belt fastened.




In addition to enforcement efforts, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program will hold regional anniversary events in Elizabeth City, Clyde and High Point next week to retrace the historic first steps of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

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