The N.C. Highway Patrol is reminding motorists 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 the highways, increasing the chance of traffic crashes.
State troopers and Motor Carrier Enforcement officers will be conducting operation Days of Summer this holiday weekend. Operation Days of Summer is an effort by the Highway Patrol to reduce collisions by cracking down on commercial motor vehicle operators who are speeding and who may be committing serious traffic violations, such as speeding 15 mph or more over the posted speed limit, following too closely, improper or erratic lane change, careless and reckless driving, and any violation of the motor vehicle laws that result in serious injury or death.
The Highway Patrol will also increase patrols on Interstate highways and highway work zones targeting aggressive and impaired drivers, a press release says. The Highway Patrol will also join other law enforcement agencies at seatbelt checkpoints across the state throughout the week, and troopers will be participating in the nationwide Combined Accident Reduction Effort, a coordinated effort of Highway Patrol and state police agencies. The high-visibility patrols are designed to prevent crashes and ensure voluntary compliance with the motor vehicle laws.
North Carolina highways are expected to be busy over the holiday weekend. Last year, there were 1,499 crashes, 1,033 injuries, and 21 fatalities statewide during the holiday period. Citizens may report crashes, impaired drivers, stranded motorists 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.