NORTH CAROLINA — The North Carolina Department of Transportation has launched its annual “Booze It & Lose It” safety campaign to discourage drunk driving during the Labor Day holiday.
Drivers can expect more patrols and enforcement statewide through Sept. 7 as part of the initiative, which began Aug. 25. The effort combines outreach and increased law enforcement to keep impaired drivers off the road during one of the busiest and most dangerous travel periods of the year.
On Aug. 20, the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program joined officials in Charlotte to announce the campaign. Last year’s Labor Day effort recorded 444 alcohol-involved crashes statewide, 11 of which were fatal.
“While Labor Day is a popular time for final summer getaways, it is also a very dangerous time to be on the roads,” GHSP Director Mark Ezzell said. “It marks the conclusion of the ‘100 Deadliest Days,’ which is the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day where we see a spike in teen-related crash fatalities. This campaign reminds everyone to make smart decisions behind the wheel and prioritize safety.”
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles also spoke at the event, along with N.C. Board of Transportation Chairman Tony Lathrop and Tiffany Wright, director of public affairs with AAA – The Auto Club Group.
“In addition to enforcement, good engineering and strong public outreach efforts, we need a commitment from all of our motoring public to be safe on the roads,” Lathrop said. “It cannot be said enough: don’t speed, avoid distractions, always wear your seat belt and never drink and drive.”
North Carolina drivers caught under the influence can face jail time, loss of driving privileges and an average of $10,000 in fines, towing fees and other expenses.