Highway Patrol asks drivers to slow down for Memorial Day weekend

The Memorial Day holiday, which officially begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, will kick off the summer vacation season in North Carolina. This means that more people will be on the highways, drastically increasing the chance for harmful or fatal accidents, Highway Patrol officials said.

In 2015, the Highway Patrol investigated 263 fatal collisions and over 9,047 injury collisions during the summer months. In the three-day span of Memorial Day weekend, troopers saw seven fatal wrecks and more than 342 crashes that caused serious injuries.

State troopers are hoping to decrease those numbers for this weekend, which is expected to be a busy one. During the holiday weekend. the Highway Patrol will increase its presence on all state interstates and major four-lane highways with the hope of saving lives.

"We want to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend," said Colonel Bill Grey, Highway Patrol Commander. "Please fasten your seatbelts, obey the speed limit and don’t drink and drive. The choices you make can be difference between life and death.”

Troopers will also be joining other law enforcement agencies by participating in annual campaigns that educate drivers on seat belt use and the dangers of drinking and driving.