The N.C. The Governor's Highway Safety Program has announced the launch of the "Booze It & Lose It" campaign, set to commence on August 25th as a statewide effort to reduce impaired driving during the busy Labor Day travel period. The campaign, running until September 7th, is designed to bolster law enforcement presence on the roads with additional patrols and checkpoints, as reported by the City of Charlotte's official website.
In preparation for the initiative, Charlotte's officials were sitting together with officers and state officials this morning to send a clear message: driving under the influence will not be tolerated. "While Labor Day is a popular time for final summer getaways, it’s also a popular time for impaired drivers to be on the roads," GHSP Director Mark Ezzell told the gathered crowd about the importance of public safety during these times. According to the City of Charlotte's official website, last year's statistics from the campaign, there were 444 alcohol-involved crashes in North Carolina, with eleven resulting in fatalities.
Addressing the concern of road safety, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, N.C. Board of Transportation Chairman Tony Lathrop and Tiffany Wright from AAA emphasized not only enforcement but also public commitment to responsible driving. As Lathrop pointed out at the event in a statement obtained by the City of Charlotte's official website, "In addition to enforcement, good engineering, and strong public outreach efforts, we need a commitment from all of our motoring public to be safe on the roads." He also reminded citizens that road safety is a comprehensive effort: "It cannot be said enough: don’t speed, avoid distractions, always wear your seat belt and never drink and drive."
The 'Booze It & Lose It' campaign is part of North Carolina's ongoing efforts to reduce impaired driving. Law enforcement agencies will increase patrols during the holiday period, and citizens are reminded to plan ahead to ensure safe travel.
