RALEIGH – The holiday officially kicks off the summer vacation season in North Carolina Friday.  Last year, the State Highway Patrol investigated 264 fatal collisions and over 9,169 injury collisions during the summer months.

The holiday weekend officially begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, and ends at midnight, Monday, May 25.  Last year the Highway Patrol investigated 20 fatal collisions and over 349 injury related collisions during the Memorial Day weekend.

Troopers will increase patrols on all interstates and major four-lane highways during the holiday weekend.

"As Memorial Day approaches, traffic will increase throughout North Carolina. We want to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend," said Colonel Bill Grey, Highway Patrol Commander in a press statement. "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 the annual “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink & Drive” and “Click-It or Ticket” programs.  The “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign is an aggressive enforcement and public outreach initiative that will consist of numerous driving while impaired checkpoints near boating recreational venues with the simple goal of preventing injuries and loss of life due to drinking and driving. “Click-It or Ticket” is designed to prevent crashes and ensure voluntary seatbelt use. Statistics show that seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half.

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.