BooZe It & LoSe iT

RALEIGH – Halloween is a time for tricks, treats, ghouls, goblins and all things spooky, not for real-life nightmares that occur due to driving impaired.  The Governor's Highway Safety Program and N.C. Transportation is launching its annual Halloween "BOO-ze It & Lose It” campaign, reminding drivers that if you drink and drive, you could pay serious consequences. 

“Halloween is a time for fun and treats not deadly tricks from impaired drivers on our roads,” said GHSP Director Don Nail. “We are encouraging people to plan ahead before they celebrate Halloween and be aware that law enforcement officers are increasing patrols across North Carolina to catch all the ghosts and goblins that aren’t driving sober.” 

NCDOT and GHSP recommend following these simple tips for a safe Halloween if you plan to drink: 

·       Before you put your costume on, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night by either designating a sober driver, downloading a ride app, checking on public transportation availability or programming a taxi number into your mobile phone.

·       Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to get you home.

·       If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement immediately.

·       If you know someone who is about to drive or ride impaired, take their keys and help them make safe travel arrangements to where they are going.

As of September 30, there have been 8,238 alcohol-related crashes in North Carolina in 2015, resulting in 288 fatalities. State and local law enforcement officers across the state are working day and night to take impaired drivers off the roads to make sure that number does not rise during Halloween and throughout the remainder of the year.

The Halloween “BOO-ze It & Lose It” campaign runs from Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1.