The North Carolina Department of Transportation, State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement are joining forces in an effort to keep residents safe through the July Fourth holiday.

The highway patrol launched Operation Firecracker last week stepping up drunk-driving enforcement across the state. Troopers investigated 248 vehicle collisions last year on July Fourth, according to law enforcement, which resulted in 61 injuries and three fatalities.

These drunk-driving enforcement efforts extend to recreational areas as well with officers from the Wildlife Resource Commission patrolling waterways across the state.

The cautions from law enforcement go beyond warnings against impaired driving to include tips to stay alert, don’t drive drowsy, avoid distracted driving and using alternate routes when necessary.

North Carolinians who are traveling for the holiday will pay the highest gas prices of any Independence Day in the last four years, but prices are down 15 cents from this year’s Memorial Day holiday.

The North Carolina DOT will suspend most road construction activities that cause lane closures on major thoroughfares across the state.

Law enforcement is also urging residents to exercise safe practices at cookouts and around swimming pools. Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood also encouraged residents to enjoy fireworks put on by professionals like the display at Kenan Stadium.

Blackwood is also asking residents to pay extra attention to pets as the sheriff’s office has to respond to additional calls for lost pets who are scared during the firework celebrations.

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