July 4th Operation C.A.R.E. Holiday Campaign

Cheyenne (Wyoming Highway Patrol) -- The Wyoming Highway Patrol will be participating in a 4th of July nationwide holiday campaign recognized as “Operation C.A.R.E.”. “C.A.R.E.” stands for ‘combined accident reduction effort’. The campaign is to bring public awareness to the issue of unsafe driving during the holiday period. The participating State law enforcement agencies in the United States and Canadian Provinces will place a special emphasis on violations in the area of alcohol and drug-related driving offenses, speeding, unsafe lane changes and following too closely. Additionally, promotion and enforcement of seat belt and child restraint violations will be strictly enforced.

High visibility of patrols on Wyoming roadways during the holiday period will help maintain an efficient movement of traffic upon the states roadways. This 4th of July CARE Holiday reporting period will run from one minute after midnight on Friday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 4th at midnight.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol reminds all drivers that the volume of traffic increases during holiday periods. Due to excessive vehicles on the roadway, the posted speed limit may not be the safest speed limit. Use common sense to adjust your speed, increase following distances and maintain high visual horizons. Above all, do not be in a hurry and use patience.

During the 4th of July C.A.R.E. Holiday reporting period of 2008 the Highway Patrol investigated three fatal crashes with three fatalities. One fatality each on US 18/20 in Converse County on July 5th, Interstate 90 in Crook County and Interstate 80 in Carbon County on July 4th.