RALEIGH- The
North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program is partnering with local and
state law enforcement to enforce a simple, but weighty message: if you have
consumed impairing substances, do not get behind the wheel.
The statewide “Holiday Booze It & Lose It” enforcement campaign increases
public awareness and deters impaired people from driving under the influence of
alcohol, drugs and other impairing substances.
“Driving under the influence is deadly and illegal, and it should never be an
option for getting home,” said GHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “We want everyone to
enjoy the joy-filled holiday season, but we want everyone to do so responsibly.
There are many available choices for a safe ride home; impaired driving is
never the answer.”
From today until Jan. 5, law enforcement agencies will increase the number of
patrols and sobriety checkpoints in all 100 counties.
According to the N.C. Department of Transportation, a total of 12,146 vehicle
crashes involving an impaired driver occurred in North Carolina last year. Of
that number, 394 crashes resulted in fatalities.
Today’s campaign launch was held at WakeMed’s Raleigh campus and included
several speakers from healthcare, along with law enforcement and elected
officials.
“Our mission is clear: to save lives by preventing impaired driving,” said
Joseph Guzman, a registered nurse at UNC Health and founder of Nurses Against
Drunk Driving. “We are committed to raising awareness, educating communities
and advocating for policies that promote safe driving. Beyond advocacy, we aim
to empower our hospital personnel, first responders and healthcare
professionals to become vocal ambassadors of this message.”