Police encourage ENC drivers to travel cautiously over Labor Day weekend

GREENVILLE, NC (WITN) – The North Carolina Highway Patrol says patrol officers will be out in full force as residents will be traveling in large numbers over the next few days for Labor Day.

As the holidays approach, drivers are urged to obey traffic laws.

According to AAA, an estimated 1 million North Carolinians will travel 50 miles or more this Labor Day weekend, with the majority driving.

According to Trooper Rico Stephens of the State Highway Patrol, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt are the most common violations.

“Speed ​​is always the most important factor. It accounts for the majority of collisions we study. And when people are not wearing seat belts and are involved in a collision, it usually results in serious injuries,” Stephens said.

To keep everyone safe, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program has launched its annual “Booze It & Lose It” campaign, with law enforcement increasing patrols and setting up checkpoints.

Jacqueline Pippins says that with current petrol prices, drivers should think of creative ways to save money.

“I would say stay home or carpool with several people,” Pippins said.

What is the best and worst time to drive? According to AAA, drivers should set off in the morning unless they are driving on Saturday. Drivers should avoid the afternoon and early evening hours on Thursday and Friday, as these are the times when traffic is at its heaviest.

Stephens says the law will be enforced. “If you choose to drive and drink on our streets – not just on a holiday, but any other day – we will kick you out. We will take you to jail, arrest you and charge you with drunk driving. If we catch you speeding, we will ticket you. If we catch you not wearing a seatbelt, we will ticket you.”

According to AAA, travelers can also expect lower gas prices for road trips than last year, when the national average was $3.81 over Labor Day weekend.

AAA expects to rescue more than 300,000 stranded drivers nationwide this weekend, with the three most common reasons being flat tires, dead batteries and lockouts.

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