RALEIGH – On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day, state officials are reminding motorists to not drink and drive.
Through March 19, law enforcement agencies statewide will increase patrols to keep impaired drivers off the roads during the St. Patrick’s Day “Booze It & Lose It” enforcement campaign, according to a release from the N.C. Department of Transportation.
“St. Patrick’s Day is well established as a time for celebration, but people should do so responsibly,” said Mark Ezzell, director of the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program. “Never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking alcohol. Drinking and driving can be deadly. Have a plan to get home safely so you don’t risk seriously injuring or killing yourself or someone else.”
During last year’s weeklong observance of St. Patrick’s Day, 225 alcohol-related crashes resulting in 11 deaths occurred on North Carolina roads, the department said. If you drink and need a ride home, call a friend, take public transit or call a cab, DOT advises..
For more safe driving tips, visit ncghsp.org or follow Governor's Highway Safety Program on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
