Raleigh, N.C. – Governor Pat McCrory is reminding motorists to be careful as they enter the New Year’s holiday period. The State Highway Patrol will be stepping up its enforcement against impaired driving.
“A little planning and common sense will ensure the New Year’s holiday will be a time of celebration and optimism instead of a time of tragedy and mourning,” Governor McCrory said. “The Highway Patrol will be out in force to apprehend impaired drivers and enforce traffic laws in order to keep the New Year’s holiday period as safe as possible.”
Last year, troopers investigated five fatal collisions and 139 injury-related collisions during the New Year’s holiday period. This year’s holiday period will begin on Thursday, December 31, 2015 and end on Friday, January 1, 2016.
To combat impaired driving, troopers will be conducting DWI checkpoints and enforcing all state laws. The Patrol will be increasing the number of troopers on the interstates and heavily traveled corridors. The Highway Patrol will also be participating in the state’s “Booze It and Lose It” anti-drunk driving campaign.
The Highway Patrol is soliciting the public’s help by reporting impaired drivers. Motorists can simply dial *HP or *47 on a cellular phone should they observe an impaired driver.
Governor McCrory and the State Highway Patrol are asking for motorists to help with ensuring safe travel by following these simple suggestions:
Be responsible.
Plan ahead.
Designate a sober driver.
Call a cab, friend or family member if you have consumed too much of an alcoholic beverage. Do not drive.
Spend the night where you are, if possible.
“Holiday travel can be a very dangerous time on our highways if our motorists fail to drive responsibly,” said Colonel Bill Grey, Patrol Commander. “We take impaired driving very seriously and urge everyone to make the right choice – don’t drink and drive. Preventing drinking and driving must be a partnership between those who educate the public, those who enforce the law, and our citizens.”
For more information, please contact Lt. Jeff Gordon at (919) 733-5027 or Jeff.Gordon@ncdps.gov.