As a law firm that represents clients who have been severely injured by drunk drivers, HensonFuerst Attorneys is always happy to announce the start of the “Booze It & Lose It” crackdown against people who drink and drive.
According to an article in the New Bern Sun Journal, the North Carolina Highway Patrol launched its “Booze It and Lose It” campaign last Friday. From now through January 2, 2011, officers will be conducting random stops and working sobriety checkpoints to make help keep our road safe from drunk drivers.
“We will have checkpoints during this time, saturated patrol in areas where driving-while-impaired motorists typically drive, and showing our presence on the highways,” said Sgt. Rich Willis of District 6, which includes Craven and Pamlico counties.
Citizens can also help to get drunk drivers off the road: If you see someone you believe might be driving while impaired, can call dial *HP or 911 from any cell phone.
“Booze It and Lose It” is a valuable tool for law enforcement during the holiday season, when people are more likely to attend alcohol-fueled parties, dinners, and family gatherings. The last “Booze It and Lose It” campaign (Operation Firecracker) took place from June 28 through July 4. During that one week, 1,291 impaired drivers were taken off the road. The current campaign will last 30 days.
We always recommend that if you intend to drive, don’t drink. If you do drink, find someone sober to drive you home, or find an alternate way to get home. (A taxi company will be happy to take your call and send a car to get you.) But this advice takes on added importance during the holidays, which should be a time of celebration. No one wants to spend the holidays planning a funeral… or visiting a loved one in the hospital… or figuring out how to raise enough money for bail.
According to an article in the Winston-Salem Journal, Chief Scott Cunningham of the Winston-Salem Police Department stresses that safety is the message for the holiday season.
“If you’ve consumed alcohol, don’t drive,” he said. “Don’t take the chance, it’s not worth it.”
Short, but perfect. We couldn’t say it better ourselves.