RALEIGH -- Memorial Day weekend is here, and many of you might be hitting the highways for a quick getaway. This is weekend is known as the "unofficial start of summer," and this year holiday travel is looking much busier than last year. More than 500,000 travelers are expected to hit the roads, up more than one percent from a year ago.

But beware, the state highway patrol is out in full force. This week they launched their annual Click It or Ticket campaign, a push to reduce the number of deaths each year from people not wearing seatbelts.

That's not the only campaign taking place.

Law enforcement agencies are making sure boaters also stay safe. The "On the Road, on the Water, Don't Drink and Drive" campaign is also underway. It is designed to crack down on both impaired drivers and boaters. They say it's important to have a plan before getting behind the wheel.

"Be smart. We all tend to make some bad decisions when we're under the influence of alcohol or other drugs," said Lt. Todd Radabaugh from the NC Wildlife Resource Commission. "Have a plan before you find yourself making a decision to get behind the wheel of a car, of a boat, before you get behind wheel of impairing substance."

Cheaper gas has fueled more travelers to hit the roads. AAA says the average cost for a gallon of regular is about $3.67 per gallon, about 20 cents less than a year ago.

The Department of Transportation has suspended most construction projects across the state to make your drive as smooth as possible.