Asheville -- June 30, 2026: Asheville motorists can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence on local roads as the Asheville Police Department launches its annual Operation Firecracker "Booze It & Lose It" campaign ahead of the busy Fourth of July holiday.
The campaign, conducted in partnership with the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program, began at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 29, and continues through midnight on Monday, July 6. During the week-long initiative, officers will increase patrols and enforcement efforts aimed at identifying and removing impaired drivers from area roadways.
The Independence Day holiday is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year across Western North Carolina, bringing an influx of visitors and increased traffic throughout Asheville and Buncombe County. With more vehicles on the road, officials say the risk of alcohol- and drug-impaired driving also rises significantly.
According to the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program, 464 people were killed in impaired-driving crashes across North Carolina during 2025, highlighting the ongoing dangers of impaired driving. During last year's Operation Firecracker campaign, law enforcement agencies across the state made 917 DWI arrests, including 77 drivers under the age of 21, demonstrating the continued need for heightened enforcement during holiday travel periods.
"This time of year is one of the deadliest in terms of impaired driving crashes," said Mark Ezzell, Director of the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program. Officials say the campaign is designed not only to increase enforcement but also to encourage drivers to make responsible choices before celebrating.
The Asheville Police Department encourages everyone celebrating the holiday to plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using a rideshare service, taxi, or public transportation if alcohol will be involved, and never driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Motorists are also urged to remain alert and report suspected impaired drivers when it is safe to do so.
Officials remind drivers that a conviction for driving while impaired can result in the loss of driving privileges, significant fines, jail time, and, most importantly, tragic consequences for innocent people on the road.
With thousands of residents and visitors expected to travel throughout Western North Carolina during the Fourth of July holiday, the Asheville Police Department hopes the annual Operation Firecracker "Booze It & Lose It" campaign will help reduce impaired driving and keep everyone safe as they celebrate Independence Day.
According to the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program, 464 people were killed in impaired-driving crashes across North Carolina during 2025, underscoring the continued dangers of driving under the influence. During last year's Operation Firecracker campaign, law enforcement officers statewide made 917 DWI arrests, including 77 drivers under the age of 21, while Asheville police noted that more than 34,000 traffic violations were issued during the enforcement period statewide.
"This time of year is one of the deadliest in terms of impaired driving crashes," said Mark Ezzell, Director of the Governor's Highway Safety Program. Officials emphasized that the campaign is intended not only to increase enforcement but also to remind drivers to make responsible choices before celebrating.
The Asheville Police Department encourages residents and visitors to:
Designate a sober driver before celebrating.
Use a rideshare service, taxi, or public transportation if consuming alcohol.
Never drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Stay alert and report suspected impaired drivers when it is safe to do so.
Officials also remind motorists that a DWI conviction can carry severe consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, substantial fines, jail time, and the potential for life-changing or fatal crashes.
With thousands expected to travel through Western North Carolina over the holiday weekend, law enforcement agencies hope increased visibility and proactive enforcement will help keep roads safer for everyone enjoying Independence Day festivities.