Drivers in Scotland County may want to ease off the gas pedal throughout the Easter holiday, according to the state Highway Patrol.

Officials will conduct Operation Slowdown — an effort to target speeders and aggressive drivers. State troopers will be out in force on interstates and other heavily traveled corridors. Aggressive drivers are those motorists who flagrantly violate the motor vehicle laws by speeding excessively, following too closely, making erratic lane changes or exhibiting other such forms of reckless endangerment, according to the patrol.

“Whether you're headed to the beach, visiting friends, or going to church, please drive with care,” said Colonel Walter J. Wilson, Jr., Highway Patrol Commander. “Our Troopers will be looking for speeders, drunk drivers and drivers not wearing their seat belts while patrolling this Easter weekend.”

Last year in North Carolina, nine people died in 790 collisions during the Easter holiday period. The 2009 Easter weekend began Thursday night and ends Sunday at midnight.

“Families often make their first trip of the year to the coast or mountains over the Easter Holiday” said Reuben F. Young, secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. “We hope that families make the necessary preparations for a safe trip, such as proper vehicle maintenance and allowing sufficient time to arrive at their destinations safely.”

The patrol will also be participating in the nationwide Combined Accident Reduction Effort. “C.A.R.E.” is a coordinated effort in which highway patrol and state police agencies increase their visibility along selected routes during holiday periods to prevent crashes.

Troopers will also increase their efforts to enforce the state's litter laws. Under tougher littering laws passed by the N.C. General Assembly, first-time offenders can be fined as much as $1,000 and be ordered to perform up to 24 hours of community service. Repeat offenders can get a $2,000 fine and 50 hours community service.

Citizens may report crashes, drunk drivers, stranded motorists or other highway situations to the Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (*47) on their cellphones. This is a toll free call that connects the caller with the nearest Highway Patrol communications center.