While the roads of the Roanoke-Chowan area were incident free Christmas weekend, such was not the case in neighboring Halifax County.

First Sergeant J.A. Cameron of Troop C District VIII (Northampton and Halifax counties) reported two fatalities in Halifax County on I-95 Christmas morning. Two people were killed in a single-vehicle crash south of Roanoke Rapids around 2 a.m. when the vehicle they were traveling in apparently veered off the road and struck a tree. The vehicle then caught on fire killing those inside. Crash investigators are working to identify the victims.

Sgt. Cameron said there were no major traffic accidents during the Christmas holiday in Northampton County. The same applies in the Troop A District II (Hertford, Gates and Bertie counties) area where no major mishaps were reported.

Meanwhile, the North Carolina Highway Patrol urges motorists to use good judgment while traveling during the New Year’s holiday.

Sgt. Cameron, along with Troop A officials in Greenville, asked motorists to use caution while traveling the roads. Troopers in both districts will be out in full force.

For those traveling home or to visit relatives, Cameron suggested leaving early for your destination, taking frequent breaks, travel together and pre-planning travel routes.

As for those going out for a night on the town, Cameron warned against of the consequences of drinking and driving and that troopers will be out to enforce traffic laws.

“Of course, know your limit, don’t drink and drive,” he said. “You don’t want to take any chances.”

Last year during the Christmas and New Year holiday week, 20 people were killed and 668 people were injured in traffic collisions. The leading cause of those collisions was speed. Troopers will be conducting checkpoints and strictly enforcing the state’s driving while impaired laws. The patrol will be increasing the number of troopers on the interstates and heavily traveled corridors, cracking down on motorists who are driving recklessly or traveling at excessive speeds.

“Holiday travel can be very dangerous on our highways if people don’t obey the laws and use common sense when they travel,” said Colonel Randy Glover, Patrol Commander. “Drinking and driving do not mix; make the right choice – don’t drink and drive.”

During the holidays, SHP will also be participating in the state’s “Booze It and Lose It” anti-drunk driving campaign and the national Combined Accident Reduction Effort, (C.A.R.E). Sobriety checkpoints are being held throughout the state during the entire week.

The 2009 holiday travel period ends at midnight on Friday, Jan. 1. Drivers and passengers are also reminded to wear seat belts, slow down, and allow plenty of time to get to their destinations.

Motorists with cellular phones can report safety hazards to the Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (*47) toll free.