Cumberland County officials discuss strategies aimed at reducing traffic-related deaths

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- In the wake of the tragic crash that killed three E.E. Smith High School students, city and state leaders are taking a closer look at traffic safety in Cumberland County, where fatal crashes continue to rank among the highest in North Carolina.

Local and state officials met Friday morning at E.E. Smith High School to discuss strategies aimed at reducing traffic-related deaths and addressing long-standing safety concerns on county roads and highways.

Cumberland County ranks in the top 10 statewide for traffic fatalities, placing fourth in alcohol-related deaths and fifth in speed-related fatalities, according to state data. Officials say the recent loss of students has underscored the urgency of action.

"In light of this year's most recent incidents here in the county, especially that impacted our school system, I think now is a better time than ever to begin a planning discussion to address some of these evolving concerns," said Rep. Mike Colvin.

Data presented during the meeting revealed troubling trends related to speeding. Since 2015, 123 speed-related crashes involved drivers ages 20 to 29, while 84 involved drivers ages 30 to 39.

Mark Ezzell, director of the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program, said the first step toward change is developing a clear plan that can be supported through grants and local partnerships.

"The most important thing is to come up with a plan," Ezzell said. "We know that there's a problem here in Cumberland County. So it's important for local members and leaders to figure out what are the things they'd like for a grant to address."

The collaborative planning session focused on improving highway safety measures countywide, with an emphasis on education, enforcement and community involvement.

School officials say education efforts are already underway, particularly among young drivers.

"We have resources. We have tools," said Morris Hargrove, Cumberland County Schools' education coordinator. "Students can always go back and review. We have links to the DMV booklet where they can read."

Despite a shortage of driving instructors, the district is expanding youth-focused safety initiatives, including defensive driving programs and distracted driving awareness campaigns.

"Initiatives like defensive driving courses would be great," Hargrove said. "We're also working on improving and adding more chapters to help educate students and parents on the importance of safe driving."

Ezzell said once leaders agree on priorities, implementation could move quickly.

"Once we've got an idea of that, we could find a grantee," he said. "We potentially could figure out ways to get that plan implemented fairly quickly."

Leaders say community input will be an important part of the process, but first, they want to establish a strategic framework to guide future safety efforts across Cumberland County.