Holiday Travelers Hit Highways, Airport

Officials atRaleigh-Durham International Airportexpect more than 100,000 passengers to come through this weekend. The first travelers began to arrive around 6 a.m. Friday, when the first flights took off.

No matter what your destination is this Memorial Day -- the beach, the mountains, anywhere but here -- the goal is to get there safely.

TheNorth Carolina State Highway Patrolis issuing its annual warning about the25 most dangerous roadsto travel this weekend.

The beltline in Raleigh ranks third. Last year, 48 crashes occurred on the beltline over this holiday weekend. Interstate 40 in Wake County is also high on the list with 37 crashes. I-85 in Durham County and I-95 in Johnston County also made the list with 50 crashes between the two highways.

If you are traveling any of these roads, officials offer a word of warning. "During this holiday weekend, you're more likely to see a state trooper take an enforcement action," says Highway Patrol Sgt. Jeff Winstead.

Law enforcement officers will also be checking to make sure passengers are buckled up.Click it or Ticket Itcheckpoints will be set up across the state.

State troopers will be out in full force to protect motorists fromroad rageas well. They have handed out more than 11,000 tickets related to aggressive driving since October.

NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt andCrime Control and Public SafetySecretary Richard Moore also unveiled anew anti-aggressive driving posterThursday at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord.

If you are taking a road trip this holiday weekend, a car maintenance check should be first on your list of things to do before leaving.

Last year, 600 people were killed in accidents on interstates; nearly one third were working on their cars replacing tires, or cooling off radiators. AAA recommends you check tire pressure, get your oil changed, and check all your car's fluidsbeforeyou leave on your trip.