North Carolina Cites 763 Impaired Drivers During Statewide Crackdown

Gov. Mike Easley reported that state and local law enforcement officers cited 763 motorists for driving while impaired during a St. Patrick’s Day “Booze It & Lose It” campaign, which ran March 14-17. A total of 20,281 traffic and criminal citations were issued statewide.

During the highway safety program campaign, officers statewide conducted more than 1,878 sobriety checkpoints and dedicated patrols. Counties with the highest number of driving while intoxicated citations include: Mecklenburg, 65; Guilford, 47; and New Hanover, 46.

Officers also issued 1,889 safety belt and 298 child passenger safety violations, 6,118 speeding violations and 450 drug charges. In addition, authorities apprehended 140 fugitives from justice and recovered 32 stolen vehicles.

“This high-visibility campaign sends a strong message to North Carolinians about the importance of not drinking and driving,” said Easley. “I appreciate the efforts of law enforcement officers statewide who took part in this initiative and their dedication to keeping our roads and citizens safe.”

Source: Office of the Governor of North Carolina