RALEIGH – This Christmas season, the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program joins local and state law enforcement to urge drivers against impaired driving.

The statewide “Booze It & Lose It” campaign, which begins today and ends on Jan. 1, aims to raise awareness and deter people from driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and all impairing substances.

“Festivities this time of year often involve alcohol consumption, which unfortunately leads to an increased risk of impaired driving,” said Mark Ezzell, director of GHSP. “More than 25 percent of all N.C. crash fatalities in 2022 involved drivers who were under the influence of alcohol.”

According to the N.C. Department of Transportation, 471 alcohol-related crash fatalities occurred in 2022. The “Booze It & Lose It” campaign is a sobering reminder that there are severe consequences for reckless behavior.

Now until Jan 1., law enforcement agencies throughout the state will increase the number of sobriety checkpoints and patrols in heavily trafficked areas. These checkpoints reinforce the message that there is a zero-tolerance approach toward driving under the influence.

“The most important thing is to have a transportation plan before consumption of alcohol or drugs,” said Jennifer Lichtneger, executive director of NC Mothers Against Drunk Driving. “It is essential to plan a safe ride before heading out. If you wait until after you’ve been drinking, you will already be too impaired to make the right decisions.”

Plenty of options are available to help drivers arrive safely at their destination, like designating a sober driver or calling a taxi or rideshare service. Visit this webpage to search for all available public transportation in any North Carolina city or county.