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For up-to-date information on North Carolina licenses, regulations and other wildlife resources, please visit the agency’s website NCWildlife.org.
RALEIGH, N.C. (May 22, 2019) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, State Highway Patrol and Mothers Against Drunk Driving began the ninth annual “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign today with news conferences at Upper Barton’s Creek on Falls Lake and Blythe Landing on Lake Norman. The multi-agency safety initiative works to reduce alcohol-related accidents on the state’s roadways and waterways, both of which see increased traffic during summer months. Out of 192 boating accidents investigated in 2018 in North Carolina, there were 35 fatalities, three of which were affected by alcohol use. Not wearing a life vest was a contributing factor in many of those fatal accidents. Starting Memorial Day weekend, enforcement officers will be conducting sobriety checkpoints and promoting public awareness to deter impaired operation of vehicles and vessels. Awareness and enforcement efforts are centered on four of the busiest summer weekends, including: May 25 – 27, 2019 June 28 – 30, 2019 July 5 – 7, 2019 (Operation Dry Water) Aug. 31– Sept. 2, 2019 In North Carolina, a driver or vessel operator with a blood-alcohol concentration that meets or exceeds .08, or is substantially impaired by alcohol and/or drugs, is subject to arrest. “When you choose to ignore the law, you’re not only risking your own life but also the lives of others around you,” said Sgt. David Ritzheimer of the Commission. “If alcohol is part of your plans, whether on the road or on the water, be sure to have a designated driver.” The campaign is coordinated by the Wildlife Resources Commission and the State Highway Patrol, and supported by local police and sheriff’s offices, along with participating non-governmental organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving. For more information on boating safety and regulations, visit ncwildlife.org/boating.
Ryan Kennemur 919-707-0186
Ryan Kennemur