RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina highway safety officials are calling for heightened awareness of driving dangers and heat-related risks as the state enters its busiest summer travel period.

The Governor’s Highway Safety Program, in partnership with the N.C. Department of Insurance, held a press conference Tuesday at the eastbound Interstate 40 Rest Area in Benson to address critical safety concerns affecting travelers during the Memorial Day to Labor Day corridor.

Summer Travel Brings Increased Risks

GHSP Director Mark Ezzell emphasized the unique challenges that accompany North Carolina’s peak vacation months, noting the combination of increased travel, extreme heat, and disrupted daily routines creates a perfect storm for safety incidents.

“The summer months between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend are a popular time for folks to enjoy our beautiful state, but it is also a time of increased travel, hot weather and a change in routine,” Ezzell said. “We all must commit to making smart choices behind the wheel and never leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles, even for a moment.”

Vehicular Heatstroke Prevention Takes Center Stage

Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey and Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell joined Ezzell in highlighting the often-fatal consequences of vehicular heatstroke, a preventable tragedy that claims lives each summer across the state.

The officials stressed that even brief moments can prove deadly when children, vulnerable adults, or pets are left unattended in hot vehicles, where temperatures can rise rapidly regardless of outside conditions.

Essential Summer Safety Guidelines

State officials outlined key safety measures for North Carolina residents and visitors:

Vehicle Safety:

• Never leave children, vulnerable adults, or pets unattended in vehicles
• Always check back seats before exiting vehicles
• Plan travel routes in advance and allow extra time for delays

Road Safety:

• Designate sober drivers or arrange safe transportation when consuming alcohol or impairing substances
• Use seat belts in every seat for every trip
• Avoid distracted driving by using hands-free technology or storing devices away
• Stay alert for increased pedestrian and cyclist activity during summer months

Statewide Safety Initiative

The press conference represents part of a broader public awareness campaign aimed at reducing summer traffic incidents and heat-related emergencies. North Carolina leaders are implementing multiple strategies to enhance road safety during peak travel periods and throughout the year.

The collaborative effort between the Governor’s Highway Safety Program and the Department of Insurance demonstrates the state’s commitment to protecting both residents and the millions of visitors who travel North Carolina’s roads during summer vacation season.