RALEIGH, N.C. — Law enforcement throughout the state will step up patrols this St. Patrick’s Day.
Authorities are reminding individuals to remain secure and never drink and drive on the vacation, which is Thursday, March 17.
To assist fight impaired drivers, officers say they are going to enhance patrols all week as a part of the Booze It & Lose It marketing campaign.
“We know alcohol tends to be a part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, but people should never get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking alcohol,” mentioned Mark Ezzell, director of the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “Drinking and driving can be deadly. Have a plan to get home safely so you don’t risk seriously injuring or killing yourself or someone else.”
During the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement marketing campaign interval, NCDOT says 105 individuals have both been killed or critically injured due to alcohol-related accidents in North Carolina since 2018.
“One of the worst things we do as an agency is to notify a family of the death of their loved one from a motor vehicle collision,” mentioned Colonel Freddy L. Johnson, Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “These tragic events and the lasting impacts they have on families can be avoided, so please do your part by planning ahead and ensuring you and your friends celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day responsibly.”
Authorities advocate calling a pal, taking public transit or calling a cab or rideshare in the event you plan to drink in the course of the vacation interval.