RALEIGH – If you drink this Halloween, never drive.
The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program launched the “Halloween Booze It & Lose It” campaign at the N.C. State Fair on Friday to raise awareness about the dangers of driving while impaired.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 28, law enforcement officials will increase saturation patrols to take drunk drivers off the roads.
“Driving under the influence is a choice that can have devastating consequences,” said NCGHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “A critical part of celebrating Halloween is planning ahead to ensure the safety of everyone. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver to transport you to and from your festivities.”
The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles reports that 405 people died in alcohol-related crashes in North Carolina in 2023. Of the 1,565 people that died in fatal car crashes last year, 22.4% were alcohol-related crash fatalities.
Speakers at the event included NCGHSP Director Mark Ezzell, Colonel Freddy L. Johnson of the N.C. State Highway Patrol, N.C. High School Athletic Association’s Associate Commissioner Karen DeHart and student advocate Kyle Stinson, a member of NCHSAA’s Region 5 Student Athletic Advisory Council.
Watch out for the saturation patrols on your commute.
22.4% of traffic deaths involving alcohol seems pretty low; I would have thought it was a lot higher. Something must be working.
@Al: the fact is, targeted enforcement like this does not actually work. According to the NTSB, the reason for the decrease in deaths is due to automobile safety improvements. Accidents are MUCH more survivable today, than just 5 years ago. If you look at non-fatal crashes involving alcohol, you’ll find a steady year-over-year increase (up 3% in 2023). These targeted DUI campaigns serve one purpose only– to collect $$$$. If we were serious about reducing DUIs, we’d require breathalyzer in all cars.
Not unless you or a member of your family is a victim