RALEIGH, N.C. — As Halloween celebrations get underway, law enforcement agencies across Wayne County and North Carolina are preparing to increase patrols and conduct sobriety checkpoints as part of the annual Halloween “Booze It & Lose It” campaign.
The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) announced the statewide enforcement initiative, which runs Oct. 26 through Nov. 1, during a press conference at the Safety City exhibit at the N.C. State Fair.
Law enforcement officers in all 100 North Carolina counties will step up efforts to identify impaired drivers and prevent alcohol- and drug-related crashes during the Halloween holiday.
“Halloween should be a time for fun, not tragedy,” said GHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “Our ‘Booze It & Lose It’ campaign is a reminder that impaired driving is preventable. Plan ahead, designate a sober driver and make sure you have a safe way home before the festivities begin. A little preparation can make all the difference in saving lives.”
Nearly 500 Impaired-Driving Deaths Reported in 2025
According to the N.C. Department of Transportation, 387 alcohol-related deaths and 105 drug-related deaths occurred on North Carolina roadways in 2025.
During last year’s Halloween “Booze It & Lose It” enforcement campaign, officers statewide made 594 driving while impaired (DWI) arrests.
State officials say those numbers highlight the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of making responsible decisions before getting behind the wheel.
“Safety on our roads starts with the choices we make before getting behind the wheel. Too often, people underestimate how much alcohol or other impairing substances can affect their ability to drive,” said Dr. Larry Greenblatt, State Health Director and N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Officer.
“Please protect yourself and those around you, do not drive impaired and do not ride with someone who is.”
Officials Encourage Safe Halloween Celebrations
With Halloween parties, community events and trick-or-treating activities taking place throughout Wayne County, motorists are encouraged to remain alert for pedestrians, especially children walking through neighborhoods after dark.
State highway safety officials recommend several precautions to help prevent impaired-driving crashes:
- Designate a sober driver before attending Halloween celebrations.
- Arrange transportation through a rideshare service, taxi or trusted sober driver.
- Never get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or other impairing substances.
- Do not ride with someone who is impaired.
- If you suspect another motorist is driving impaired, maintain a safe distance and contact law enforcement when it is safe to do so.
In addition to increased enforcement, GHSP continues its “Don’t Play With Death” public awareness campaign, emphasizing the potentially deadly consequences of dangerous driving behaviors.
Officials remind motorists that planning ahead can help ensure Halloween remains a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone.
The statewide Halloween “Booze It & Lose It” campaign concludes Sunday, Nov. 1.
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