RALEIGH – The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is urging thousands of motorists who will be traveling North Carolina's roadways this holiday season to slow down and work with the Patrol to ensure everyone has a safe holiday season. Last year during the Christmas and New Year holiday week, 32 people were killed and 1,229 people were injured in traffic collisions.

The leading cause of collisions in North Carolina is speed. The Patrol will be increasing the number of Troopers on the interstates and heavily traveled corridors, targeting aggressive and impaired drivers. This year 1,138 people have been killed on our highways; 12 more than last year at this time.

Troopers will be conducting DWI checkpoints and strictly enforcing the state's DWI laws. Additionally Troopers will crackdown on motorists who are driving recklessly or traveling at excessive speeds.

“Help the Highway Patrol reduce the number of potential traffic fatalities by obeying the laws and using common sense when traveling,” said Colonel W. Fletcher Clay, Patrol Commander. “Drinking and driving do not mix; make the right choice – don't drink and drive.”

During the holidays, the Patrol will also be participating in the state's “Booze It and Lose It” anti-drunk driving campaign and the national Combined Accident Reduction Effort, (C.A.R.E). Sobriety checkpoints are being held throughout the state during the entire week.

The 2006 Christmas holiday period begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 22nd, and ends at midnight on Monday, January 1st.

Drivers and passengers are also reminded to wear seat belts, slow down, and allow plenty of time to get to their destinations. Motorists with cellular phones can report safety hazards to the Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (*47) toll free.