The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program today launched the Halloween Booze It & Lose It campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of driving while impaired.

The program was announced at the North Carolina State Fair.

Beginning Monday, law enforcement officials will increase saturation patrols to take drunk drivers off the roads.
“Driving under the influence is a choice that can have devastating consequences,” said NCGHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “A critical part of celebrating Halloween is planning ahead to ensure the safety of everyone. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver to transport you to and from your festivities.” 

The enforcement runs through November 3. During that time there will be increased law enforcement to keep impaired drivers off the road.



Drivers should also be alert to trick-or-treaters and travel slowly through areas where people could be walking.  

Parents and children celebrating should:  

Carry a flashlight, wear reflective clothing and stay in well-lit areas.

Walk on sidewalks, not in the street; and if there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and off the road when possible. 

 The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles reports that 405 people died in alcohol-related crashes in North Carolina in 2023.

Of the 1,565 people that died in fatal car crashes last year, 22.4 percent were alcohol-related crash fatalities.