RALEIGH – The North Carolina State Highway Patrol, along with the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division, are combining efforts in saving lives this summer.
Whether on the road or on the water, law enforcement officers across the state will be on the lookout for impaired drivers by conducting DWI checkpoints near recreational boating areas as well as public service announcements that educate motorists on the dangers of drinking and driving.
“On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign is a multi-agency initiative that was designed to combine law enforcement resources to ensure that all motorists can safely travel on highway and waterways during the summer months. The Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to be careful as they enjoy the upcoming summer months.
Last year, the Highway Patrol investigated 275 fatal collisions and over 8,700 injury collisions during the summer months. This includes 72 fatal collisions and 908 injuries due to impaired driving.
“The month of May is the start of one of the busiest travel periods of the year,” said Colonel Michael Gilchrist, State Highway Patrol Commander. “We are asking all motorists to buckle up and be extremely careful when traveling to their various destinations. Troopers, along with other agencies, will be aggressively cracking down on motorists who drink and drive.”
Operation “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” is focused on three key summer travel holiday weekends: Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Troopers, along with ALE and Wildlife Resource officers, will be conducting various driving while impaired checkpoints near parks and water recreational areas. The dates of the campaigns are:
• Memorial Day Weekend – Friday, May 25 through Monday, May 28;
• Fourth of July Weekend – Friday, July 6 through Monday, July 8
• Labor Day Weekend – Saturday, Sept. 1 through Monday, Sept. 3.