As the summer begins to wind down, lots of folks will be hitting the road and getting in last trips to favorite water recreational areas this Labor Day weekend. Troopers will be joining forces with officers from the state Wildlife Resources Commission to keep roadways and waterways safe. First Sergeant Jeff Gordon from the state Highway Patrol says last Labor Day weekend 18 people lost their lives and more than 400 were injured on North Carolina roads.
“Eighteen people within a three to four day period is a lot of people across the state,” Gordon says. “I don't think people realize how often people drink and drive and choose to get behind the wheel. But these people are out there and will continue to try to slip by.”
The Highway Patrol urges anyone who sees a driver who could be impaired to call *47 and report the vehicle to authorities.