Whiteville Police will kick off an intensive enforcement effort on Valentine’s Day aimed at cracking down on speeders, squatted trucks, seatbelt use and other violations.
Officer Christian Cribb, the city’s liaison in the Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP), said in a press release that WPD will be increasing patrols Feb. 14 through Feb. 28 to deal with some of the most common safety violations.
WPD already offers free assistance with the installation and inspection of child safety seats. Officers will be looking for seatbelt violations as well as ensuring proper seats are used for young riders.
The city has speed reminder signs on Madison Street that show a driver’s speed and either congratulate the motorist for obeying the speed limit – or urge them to slow down.
“Excessive speed poses a significant risk to all motorists and pedestrians,” Cribb said in a press release. “Our officers will be actively monitoring speed limits and taking the appropriate enforcement action to slow drivers down.”
Officers will also be looking for aggressive drivers who make sudden lane changes, drive recklessly, or fail to stop at stoplights.
“We will be vigilant in addressing these unsafe movement violations,” the release said.
After years of complaints to lawmakers and police, state law changed last year to prohibit squatted trucks. So-called “squatted” trucks have the front end higher than the rear, and can pose safety hazards due to the angle of headlights as well as obscuring the driver’s field of view.
Officers will be paying extra attention to vehicle lifts and modifications, the press release said.
“While customization is popular,” the release said, “it must adhere to safety regulations. We will focus on ensuring that lifted vehicles and modifications meet legal standards.”
The press release said the safety of all motorists and pedestrians is the primary goal for the enforcement campaign.
“Our goal is to educate motorists and to enforce traffic laws to prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities, the release said.
Anyone who suspects unsafe driving practices or illegal behavior of any kind is urged to get a tag number and location, and call 911.
