Friday, May 24, 2019

Sobriety Checkpoints Ashore and Afloat Begin Memorial Day Weekend in N.C.

RALEIGH, N.C. — 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.

About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities.