Special to Iredell Free News

RALEIGH — The State Highway Patrol is encouraging motorists to drive responsibly when traveling to their intended destinations for the July 4th holiday weekend.

The SHP is participating in two annual enforcement campaigns, aligning efforts with multiple law enforcement partners to monitor driver behavior. One campaign, entitled Booze It & Lose It Operation Fire Cracker, is a joint enforcement initiative sponsored by the Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP).

Law enforcement organizations from the state, county and local levels will partner together to enforce various violations to include excessive speeding, aggressive driving and driving impaired.

Another campaign entitled On the Road, On the Water; Don’t Drink and Drive will also be conducted.

Personnel from the Wildlife Resources Commission’s Law Enforcement Division will join troopers at various boat ramps to remove impaired motorists from both the roadways and waterways. Both campaigns will be conducted throughout the holiday time period.

“As we celebrate our nation’s independence, motorists must remain vigilant in observing safe driving practices, especially with the increased traffic expected this holiday weekend,” said Col Glenn M. McNeill Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “The key principles of following the speed limit, avoiding distractions and not driving impaired are rudimentary. Our mission is simple: combat collisions which may result in injury or death before they occur.”

To obtain up-to-date roadway conditions prior to leaving home, motorists can visit www.DriveNC.gov. Motorists can also assist in reducing collisions by reporting dangerous driver behavior to the SHP by dialing *HP (*47) from their mobile device.