As the Memorial Day weekend kicks off, the State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to be patient while traveling to and from their intended destinations. The holiday officially kicks off the summer vacation season in North Carolina which means more people will be on the highways, increasing the chance for collisions. The holiday weekend officially began at 6:00 pm Friday and will end at midnight on Monday, May 29.
Last year, 21 motorists died and 577 were injured in traffic collisions investigated by the State Highway Patrol over the Memorial Day holiday across the state. To combat these numbers, troopers will increase patrols on all interstate and secondary roadways, primarily focusing on speeding, seatbelt and impaired diving violations.
Troopers will also join other state and local law enforcement agencies, participating in the Click It or Ticket and On the Road/On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive campaigns. The campaigns are collaborative efforts among law enforcement to reduce seatbelt violations and the removal of impaired motorists from the roadway and waterways.
“The Memorial Day weekend provides the opportunity to honor the service of our nation’s military personnel”, said Col. Glenn McNeill, commander of the State Highway Patrol. “While we anticipate increased travel, troopers across the state will focus on speeding, seatbelt violations and the removal of impaired motorists.”
Citizens are encouraged to report potential impaired motorists to the State Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (*47) from their mobile phone.
