(RALEIGH) -- The state Highway Patrol has launched Operation Drive to Live just in time for the start of high school prom and graduation season to keep teenagers safe on the roadways. The announcement comes the day after the death of 16-year-old Saleh Jamal Abdullah of Leesville Road High School in Raleigh.

Police says Abdullah's mini-van was exceeding the speed limit when Abdullah over corrected on a Wake County road early Sunday morning and ran into a group of trees. State Secretary of Public Safety Reuben Young said Adbullah's death highlights the need to take one precaution. "You can't over emphasize the point of wearing your seatbelts. It's obvious and over the years it's proven that it has saved lives and just that simple act can make sure that kids reach the future and accomplishments that their parents want them to," said Young.

During the operation, troopers will be enforcing all traffic laws around the state's schools.  Troopers will also be conducting traffic safety education programs at the high schools prior to the academic year ending.