RALEIGH, N.C. (Aug. 28, 2017) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and its partners will make one final push for this year’s “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign over Labor Day weekend. The annual multi-agency initiative works to ensure than North Carolinians can travel safely on the road and on the water during summer holidays. Starting Friday, drivers and boaters can expect to encounter sobriety checkpoints and increased enforcement patrols.

Law enforcement officers aim to help discourage impaired operation of vehicles and vessels throughout the holiday weekend. Drivers and vessel operators can be charged if they are operating a motor vehicle or vessel while under the influence of an impairing substance or if their blood alcohol level meets or exceeds .08 percent.

“We want everyone to return home safely from this final summer holiday weekend,” said Lt. Sam Craft with the Commission. “If you must drink, be sure to designate a driver whether you’re behind the wheel or on a vessel.”

The “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign is coordinated by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, State Highway Patrol and Forensic Tests for Alcohol, and is supported by local police and sheriff’s offices, along with participating non-governmental organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

The Commission reminds all boaters to put on a life jacket before entering a vessel. Wearing a life jacket is a simple safety precaution that can prevent tragedy from happening in the event of an accident.

Night boating typically increases during holiday weekends, which requires boaters to use caution and to be on high alert due to reduced visibility. Inland lighting rules are in effect and water skiing is prohibited between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise. Personal watercraft are prohibited on state waters between sunset and sunrise.

Learn more about enjoying North Carolina’s waterways at www.ncwildlife.org/boating.