Last Updated on May 21, 2014 5:02 pm
The North Carolina Highway Patrol is reminding motorist to be careful as they enjoy the Memorial Day weekend. The holiday officially kicks off the summer vacation season in North Carolina. This means more people will be on our highways, increasing the chance of traffic crashes.
Troopers will increase patrols on all interstates and major four lane highways during the holiday weekend. Speed is the leading causes of traffic collisions and fatalities in the state.
“Memorial Day is a time to stop and reflect on the sacrifices made by our Nation’s military personnel.” said Colonel Bill Grey, commander of the State Highway Patrol. “It also marks the beginning of summer and a time of increased travel. Our troopers will be on the roadways strictly enforcing the law in order to ensure motorists arrive safely to their destinations. We are committed to keeping everyone safe while they travel.”
The State Highway Patrol will also join other law enforcement agencies at “Click-It or Ticket” seatbelt checkpoints across the state throughout the week and troopers will be participating in the nationwide “Operation C.A.R.E.” (Combined Accident Reduction Effort). “Operation C.A.R.E. is a coordinated education and enforcement effort involving all Highway Patrol and state police agencies across the nation. These high visibility patrols during national holiday periods are designed to prevent crashes and ensure voluntary compliance with the motor vehicle laws.
The Memorial Day holiday, which is set aside to honor deceased men and women from the Armed Forces, is expected to be a busy one on North Carolina highways. The holiday weekend officially begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23rd, and ends at midnight, Monday, May 26th. Last year, 14 motorists died and 479 were injured in traffic collisions investigated by the Highway Patrol over the Memorial Day holiday.
Citizens may report crashes, impaired drivers, stranded motorist, or other highway situations to the Highway Patrol by dialing * HP (*47) on their cellular telephones. This is a toll free call that connects the caller to the nearest Highway Patrol communications center.
