WAYNE COUNTY, NC — North Carolina officials announced Monday the launch of the annual Labor Day “Booze It & Lose It” campaign, a comprehensive statewide enforcement initiative designed to combat impaired driving during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.
The campaign, which runs through September 7, will feature increased saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints across the state as motorists prepare for final summer getaways and Labor Day festivities.
“While Labor Day is a popular time for final summer getaways, it is also a very dangerous time to be on the roads,” said Mark Ezzell, director of the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program, during a press conference in Charlotte. “Impaired driving is a thoroughly preventable crime. This campaign reminds everyone to make smart decisions behind the wheel and prioritize safety.”
The announcement comes amid concerning statistics from the previous year’s campaign. During the 2023 Labor Day enforcement period, North Carolina recorded 444 alcohol-involved crashes, with 11 resulting in fatalities.
Speaking alongside Ezzell at Monday’s event, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles emphasized the collaborative effort needed to improve road safety. The announcement also featured remarks from Tony Lathrop, chairman of the North Carolina Board of Transportation, and Tiffany Wright, director of public affairs with AAA – The Auto Club Group.
“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,” Lathrop said. “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 combines the efforts of local law enforcement agencies statewide with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program to create heightened visibility and deterrence during high-risk travel periods. The initiative uses both traditional patrols and checkpoint operations to identify and remove impaired drivers from roadways.
Labor Day weekend traditionally marks one of the most dangerous periods for highway travel, with increased traffic volume coinciding with holiday celebrations that often involve alcohol consumption. The enhanced enforcement efforts are part of North Carolina’s broader strategy to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries on state roadways.
Motorists are encouraged to plan alternative transportation if they intend to consume alcohol, including designated drivers, rideshare services, or public transportation options.
