NORTH CAROLINA — As summer travel ramps up, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is preparing to keep travelers safe on the state’s roughly 80,000 miles of roadway.

Roughly 35 million people will hit the road Memorial Day weekend, which marks the unofficial start of summer, according to an estimate by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. AAA predicts travel will increase 4.9% this year as compared to 2021.

In response, the NCSHP says it will take steps to monitor driver behavior in an effort to reduce accidents and limit the severity of those that occur.

In a partnership with the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s Click Or Ticket campaign, authorities will place an emphasis on proper seat belt use by conducting two seven-day enforcement periods. The first will take place May 23-29, followed by another May 30-June 5.

NCSHP is also once again partnering with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission for the On The Road, On The Water campaign, which will be conducted through Memorial Day weekend and focuses on removing impaired operators from both boat and motor vehicles.

When hitting the road this summer, authorities have provided the following tips to help keep you and your family safe:  

  • Plan Ahead – Plan routes in advance to include secondary routes, detours and possible road closures. Up-to-date information regarding delays and closures can be found here.
  • Slow Down – Obey the posted speed limit and be mindful of speed limit reductions within work zones
  • Use Restraint Devices – Seat belts must be worn in both front and back seats if available. Children should be properly restrained in compliance with child passenger safety laws, which can be found here.
  • Don't Drive Distracted - Avoid any distraction(s) while driving that reduces your ability to drive safely
  • Plan Ahead if Consuming Alcohol – Have a predetermined plan to arrive home safely by identifying a designated driver or by utilizing one of the many ride sharing services
  • Reporting Dangerous Drivers or Other Emergencies - Motorists are encouraged to dial *HP(47) or 911 if they encounter a situation needing a law enforcement response

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