RALEIGH – The N.C. Governor's Highway Safety Program and N.C. Mothers Against Drunk Driving gathered at the North Carolina State Capitol in Raleigh tonight to honor those killed in traffic crashes on North Carolina roads in 2020. 

“2020 was an extremely challenging year in many ways, and what we saw on our roads was no different," said Mark Ezzell, director of the N.C. Governor's Highway Safety Program. “Last year brought a substantial increase in vehicle crash deaths, and tonight, we come together to remember those who tragically lost their lives on North Carolina roads." 

State Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette said during the ceremony that it's important we learn from these tragedies.

“We do not want these deaths to be in vain," Boyette said. “We will continue committing ourselves to developing solutions for safer roadways, until we reach our ultimate goal of zero traffic deaths." 

The centerpiece of the Tree of Life ceremony was the lighting of a 10-foot-tall North Carolina Fraser Fir tree. The tree will remain on the Capitol grounds through Jan. 1 and will be lit each night. 

The tree features 1,658 white, red and blue lights and ornaments - one for each traffic crash victim. The 412 red lights and ornaments represent victims of alcohol-related crashes. 

“Our state followed the disturbing trend of an increased number of deaths on our roadways despite having less people on the road," said NC MADD Director Jennifer Lichtneger. “In North Carolina, we lost 412 lives to impaired driving, a devastating 18.4% increase from 2019. We are here tonight to honor the memories of those lost to this 100% preventable crime and stand with those who still suffer." 

The two blue lights and ornaments represent law enforcement officers who died in traffic crashes in 2020 - Nash County Sheriff Deputy Jared Michael Allison and State Highway Patrol Trooper Nolan James Sanders.

“Officers and troopers throughout our state provide traffic safety, among other duties," said Department of Public Safety Secretary Eddie M. Buffaloe Jr. “Their work patrolling and protecting our roadways is not easy. They do not know what may lie around the next bend. That uncertainty does not hinder them though. They are committed to their oath to protect."​

Featured at the ceremony were two speakers impacted by impaired driving crashes. Cathy Daniels spoke about her grief since losing her son, who was hit by an impaired driver while on his motorcycle.

Rebecca Parks shared her family's story of being hit by a drunk driver, and the emotional scars that resulted from that experience.

The ceremony closed with a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the 2020 victims of North Carolina traffic crashes. 

The N.C. Governor's Highway Safety Program reminds all travelers to stay safe on the roads this holiday season by:

• Never driving impaired and always finding a safe ride home

• Buckling your seatbelt when riding in any seat in the vehicle

• And following the speed limit.