“On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” to Combat Impaired Driving

RALEIGH – The 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 making public service announcements that educate motorists on the dangers of driving while impaired.

“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 240 fatal collisions and over 8,500 injury collisions during the summer months. This included 58 fatal collisions and 873 injury collisions due to impaired driving.

“The month of May is one of the busiest travel periods of the year,” said Colonel Bill Grey, commander of the State Highway Patrol. “We are asking all motorists to buckle up, drive carefully, and remain vigilant while traveling to their destinations. Troopers along with other agencies will be aggressively cracking down on motorists who drive while impaired.”

Operation “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” is focused around 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:

• May 23rd – 26th
• July 27th – 29th
• July 4th – 6th
• August 29th – September 1st

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Contact: Fst. Sgt. Jeff Gordon
Date: May 19, 2014
Phone: (919) 733-5027