RALEIGH – As North Carolina enters the heart of the summer vacation period, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program is partnering with the N.C. Department of Insurance to underscore critical safety measures focusing on holiday travel safety and the dangers of vehicular heatstroke.
GHSP Director Mark Ezzell joined N.C. Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey and Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell at a press conference today at the eastbound Interstate 40 Rest Area in Benson, emphasizing the shared responsibility of all North Carolinians to ensure a safe summer for everyone on and off the roads.
“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.”
Commissioner Causey and Sheriff Bizzell reinforced this safety message by highlighting the often-fatal consequences of vehicular heatstroke. It is vital for all state residents and visitors to:
- Never leave a child, vulnerable adult or pet unattended in a hot vehicle.
- Always check the back seat before leaving your vehicle.
- Plan travel routes in advance and allow extra time for potential delays.
- Designate a sober driver or plan for a safe ride home if you plan to consume alcohol or other impairing substances.
- Buckle up in every seat, every time.
- Avoid distracted driving by utilizing hands-free technology or putting away cell phones and other devices.
Be aware of increased pedestrian and cyclist activity during summer months. Through this and other similar public awareness campaigns, North Carolina leaders are determined to make our roads safer for everyone during the summer and throughout the rest of the year.