The North Carolina Department of Transportation has announced the launch of the Holiday “Booze It & Lose It” Campaign, a statewide effort aimed at reducing impaired driving through increased public awareness and enhanced law enforcement.
Now through January 4, law enforcement agencies across all 100 North Carolina counties will increase patrols and conduct sobriety checkpoints to identify impaired drivers and remove them from the road.
Last year, alcohol-related crashes claimed the lives of 361 people in North Carolina, with more than 11,000 crashes linked to impaired driving statewide. Officials say education and prevention are key to reducing deaths and injuries, especially during the busy holiday season.
State leaders are urging residents to celebrate responsibly by planning ahead, designating a sober driver, or using a taxi or ridesharing service to get home safely after holiday gatherings.
Those caught driving while impaired can face serious consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and an average of $10,000 in fines, towing costs, and other related expenses.
