Troopers in eight states are planning a major enforcement campaign over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Over the Thanksgiving weekend, troopers in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma and North Carolina are participating in a major traffic safety initiative, according to ABC 11.
The operation is called “Interstate 40 Challenge: The Drive to Zero Fatalities.” Beginning on Wednesday, November 21, through Sunday November 25, troopers will be stationed every twenty miles on I-40 in all eight states.
Troopers will be on the look out for any violation of state laws, including speeding, texting, driving under the influence, and seat belt violations committed by both commercial vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers.
State police say that drivers should also expect an increased police presence on other highways in the ‘I-40 Challenge’ participant states over the holiday weekend.
This marks the third year in a row that troopers have participated in the ‘I-40 Challenge’.
Troopers say that they hope the effort will cut down on highway fatalities. “Our mission is simple; reduce needless collisions in hopes of reporting zero fatalities statewide,” says Col. Glenn McNeill Jr. of the North Carolina Highway Patrol.