ASHEVILLE -- The Asheville Police Department (APD) is joining forces with the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program for the annual “St. Patrick’s Day Booze It & Lose It” campaign. This high-visibility enforcement effort is designed to curb impaired driving and keep Western North Carolina roads safe during the holiday celebrations.
Key Campaign Details
Duration: The campaign is active now and runs through midnight on March 22nd.
Presence: Motorists should expect a significant increase in law enforcement checkpoints and patrols throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Impact: The necessity of this initiative is underscored by last year’s results, which saw 783 DWI arrests statewide during the same period.
Safety Recommendations
To ensure celebrations remain festive and safe, the APD and highway safety officials recommend the following:
Plan Ahead: Identify a designated sober driver before the first drink is served.
Use Technology: Utilize rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft, or call a local taxi service.
Intervene: If you see someone who has been drinking attempting to drive, take their keys and help them find a safe way home.
For additional details on the statewide initiative and upcoming enforcement dates, you can visit the NCDOT Booze It & Lose It page.