Statewide ‘Operation Firecracker Booze It & Lose It’ campaign underway

Increased patrols on roads statewide June 24 – July 7 to deter impaired driving

RALEIGH—State officials are asking the public to help keep North Carolina roads safe and to be aware of the dangers of drinking and driving.

The annual ‘Booze it and Lose it’ campaign, which began Monday and ends on July 7, uses public outreach and stepped-up law enforcement to discourage drunk driving. Statewide, law enforcement will patrol and conduct more checkpoints to promote safety and remove impaired drivers from the roads.

“Celebrating this time of year often involves alcohol, which can lead to additional impaired driving crashes,” said Mark Ezzell, director of North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “Last year, 388 people died in crashes involving drivers who were under the influence of alcohol. That’s unacceptable. Our law enforcement partners from Murphy to Manteo will be working this campaign to catch impaired drivers.”

A total of 162 alcohol-related crashes and four fatalities occurred on North Carolina roads during the Fourth of July weekend in 2023, according to crash data from the N.C. Department of Transportation. The “Booze It & Lose It” campaign serves as a reminder that reckless behavior has severe consequences.

There are plenty of safe ways to arrive at a destination, including designating a sober driver or calling a taxi or rideshare service. It is always good to plan ahead and work towards making the environment and holiday safer for everyone.

Visit NCDOT’s website to learn more about the campaign and the consequences of impaired driving.

Submitted by NCDOT

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