First Week of Labor Day "Booze It & Lose It" Campaign Results

North Carolina law enforcement officers have already issued 19,991 criminal and traffic violations.

August 24, 2007

HOKE COUNTY NC NEWS -- Labor Day "Booze It & Lose It" campaign has started early, state and local law enforcement officers have already stepped-up patrols and setup checkpoints across North Carolina. The Labor Day "Booze It & Lose It" campaign begun on August 17, and will be conducted through September 3, to save lives by removing impaired drivers from highways.

Governor Easley announced, "As North Carolinians celebrate the last few weeks of summer, I want to remind them to do so responsibly. Law enforcement officers will be cracking down on impaired drivers to help keep our roads safe."

Furthermore, alcohol-related traffic crashes are a consistent problem during heavy travel periods such as holidays. Last year, 96 North Carolina motorists were involved in fatal traffic crashes between August 17, and September 3, with 23 of those fatalities having been alcohol-related.

During the first week of this year's Labor Day "Booze It & Lose It" campaign, North Carolina law enforcement officers have posted 452 checkpoints, charged 662 drivers with DWI, and issued a total of 19,991 criminal and traffic violations. The most traffic checkpoints were posted in Hoke County where law enforcement posted 23 traffic checkpoints. The next two counties, Carteret and Wake had 20 checkpoints each posted. Moreover, in Wake County, law enforcement officers made 61 DWI arrests, while in Hoke County, officers only made 12 DWI arrests. Meanwhile, in Mecklenburg County, law enforcement officers made 20 DWI arrests using only 21 patrols.

As we draw closer to Labor Day, holiday travelers should remember that the majority of the traffic violations issued during the "Booze It & Lose It" campaign are for speeding and minor traffic infractions. Therefore, please watch your speed, ensure your North Carolina vehicle is properly registered, inspected and insured. Always wear your seat belt. Most of all, never drink and drive.

Published by:
Rob Cross
mailto:editor@357news.com

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