NORTH CAROLINA — The Governor’s Highway Safety program has launched its annual initiative to deter drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel this holiday week.
“Operation Firecracker Booze It and Lose It” takes place through July 6. This means increased checkpoints and patrols can be expected from law enforcement statewide.
“We want everyone to enjoy the holiday and celebrate but getting behind the wheel after drinking is never worth the risk,” Mark Ezzell, director of the highway program, said in a release. “Last year, 11,782 crashes were reported statewide involving drivers who were under the influence of alcohol. This is unacceptable. Law enforcement officers from every county in the state will be working this campaign to catch impaired drivers.”
During the Independence Day weekend last year, there were roughly 176 alcohol-related offenses, according to N.C. Department of Transportation crash data.
Motorists caught driving while impaired could face jail time, lose their driving privileges and pay an average of $10,000 in fines, towing fees and other expenses associated with a DWI.
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