RALEIGH, NC— As Fourth of July celebrations begin across the state, North Carolina officials are reminding motorists to celebrate responsibly as the annual Operation Firecracker Booze It & Lose It campaign gets underway.
The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) launched the statewide enforcement campaign on Monday, with increased law enforcement patrols and sobriety checkpoints scheduled through July 6. The initiative is designed to deter impaired driving during one of the busiest—and deadliest—travel periods of the year.
Officers from agencies across North Carolina will conduct additional patrols and checkpoints to identify and remove impaired drivers from the road while encouraging motorists to make safe transportation plans before celebrating.
“This time of year is one of the deadliest in terms of impaired driving crashes,” said GHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “In 2025 alone, 464 people lost their lives in impaired driving crashes on North Carolina roads. This staggering number reminds us why this work is so critically important.”
Data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation shows that during last year’s Operation Firecracker campaign, law enforcement officers made 917 DWI arrests statewide. Of those, 77 arrests involved drivers under the age of 21.
Officials say the campaign serves as a reminder that impaired driving carries serious consequences beyond criminal charges.
“This campaign highlights that if you drink and drive in North Carolina, you lose,” said North Carolina Department of Public Safety Secretary Jeffrey Smythe. “You risk losing your license, your freedom, your reputation, and possibly your life or someone else’s.”
With many families expected to travel and attend holiday celebrations this week, state officials are encouraging anyone who plans to consume alcohol to arrange for a sober ride home before festivities begin. Options include designating a sober driver, using a rideshare service or taxi, or staying overnight if necessary.
Officials also encourage residents to intervene if they see someone attempting to drive while impaired and to report suspected impaired drivers to law enforcement when it is safe to do so.
The Operation Firecracker Booze It & Lose It campaign will continue through Saturday, July 6, with increased enforcement efforts taking place on roadways across North Carolina as authorities work to reduce impaired driving crashes and keep holiday travelers safe.
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