Memorial Day enforcement will occur on land and water this weekend with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission holding its On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive campaign and the Governor’s Highway Safety Program holding its annual Click It or Ticket campaign.

NCWRC

On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive is a public safety campaign aimed at reducing alcohol and drug-related incidents on the roadways and waterways.

“While the overall number of boating incidents investigated has been declining in recent years, last year we saw a troubling rise in fatal boating incidents,” said Lieutenant Anna Barbosa. “So far this year, fatalities have currently surpassed last year’s numbers. Our goal is for everyone to enjoy their day on the water and return home safely. To do so, avoid alcohol while boating — or if you choose to drink, designate a sober operator. And remember, life jackets save lives — don’t just have enough on board. Make sure everyone wears one.”

According to the United States Coast Guard, most recreational boating crashes occur in the months of June, July and August. Operator inattention is a leading cause of boating crashes.

So far, in 2026, there have been 26 boating crashes investigated. Five have been fatal, resulting in five fatalities. Alcohol was a factor in three.

Boating stats for 2025:

138 boating crashes reported, a 9.2 percent decrease from the year prior 

25 fatal crashes resulting in 26 fatalities, a major 66 percent increase from the previous year 

In the 25 fatalities reported, only six  included passengers wearing PFDs

Alcohol was reported in four of the fatalities.

On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive is led in North Carolina by the NCWRC, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and local police and sheriff’s offices.

GHSP

As Memorial Day travelers hit North Carolina roads for the unofficial start of summer, state and local law enforcement agencies are reminding everyone to buckle up for every trip, every time.

The Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s annual Memorial Day Click It or Ticket campaign began today and runs through May 31. 

The statewide initiative combines public awareness efforts with increased law enforcement patrols aimed at encouraging seat belt use and reducing preventable crash deaths.
“Wearing a seatbelt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in a crash,” said GHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “Taking just a few seconds to buckle up can save your life and the lives of others in your vehicle.”
During last year’s enforcement campaign, law enforcement officers issued 4,762 citations for people not wearing the proper restraints. In 2024, more than 460 people were killed and 1,027 others seriously injured because they were not wearing seat belts or child safety seats.
Throughout the campaign, drivers can expect increased enforcement of North Carolina’s seat belt law across the state. Law enforcement officers will be working to ensure drivers and passengers are properly restrained, especially during the busy holiday travel period.

The Memorial Day holiday historically marks one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, bringing heavier traffic to highways and local roads statewide. 

Officials encourage drivers to plan ahead, avoid distractions, obey speed limits and make safety a priority behind the wheel.