BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – More than 13,500 drivers across North Carolina were recently cited for speeding during the Highway Patrol’s Operation Slow Down campaign. The campaign was done in combination with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program No Need to Speed effort.

According to officials, speeding is the leading cause of traffic accidents and fatalities throughout the state and across the country.

Highway Patrol investigated 1,801 fatal accidents in North Carolina in 2012. Of those, 245 deaths were contributed to speed, compared to 244 in 2011, according to the NC Highway Patrol.

Despite the end of the Operation Slow Down campaign, troopers will continue to aggressively enforce the speed limits in North Carolina.

“Our number one priority is to ensure the safety of the motoring public,” said Bill Grey, commander of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

LELAND, NC (WECT) - Emergency crews were called to the scene of an accident in Leland Thursday night where early reports suggested a pedestrian had been hit by a car.

As it turns out, a driver ran off the road, hit an embankment and flipped the vehicle in the ditch.

The accident happened on Highway 17 near Walmart.

Witnesses say the driver did not appear to be seriously hurt.

An investigation is underway.  So far, no charges have been filed.

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