Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2006-01-05, Gov. Easley Announces 'Booze It & Lose It' Yields 6,258 DWI Arrests More Than 199,000 Traffic And Criminal Citations Issued Statewide During Campaign

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Jill Warren Lucas Date: Jan. 5,2006 Phone: 919/733-5612 GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES ‘BOOZE IT & LOSE IT’ YIELDS 6,258 DWI ARRESTS More Than 1 99, 000 Traffic and Criminal Citations Issued Statewide During Campaign RALEIGH — Gov. Mike Easley announced today that state and local law enforcement officers cited more than 6,200 motorists for driving while impaired (DWI) violations during the Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s (GHSP) “Booze It & Lose It” winter campaign, which began Nov. 17, 2005, and ended on Jan. 1. A total of 199,960 traffic and criminal citations were issued statewide. “I commend our state and local law enforcement officers for their hard work during this lifesaving campaign,” Easley said. “Vigilant, high-visibility enforcement is the key to getting impaired drivers off our roadways. These arrests send a message that drinking and driving will not be tolerated in North Carolina.” During the campaign, officers statewide conducted more than 14,000 sobriety checkpoints and dedicated patrols. Counties with the highest number of DWI citations include Wake (634) and Mecklenburg (492). While officers focused on impaired-driving violations, they also issued a total of 14,892 safety belt and 2,334 child passenger safety violations, as well as 68,81 1 speeding violations and 3,763 drug charges. In addition, they apprehended 384 fugitives from justice and recovered 287 stolen vehicles. The GHSP has scheduled a series of traffic safety enforcement campaigns for 2006. Note that dates are subject to change, and additional events may be added: • May22-June4: “Click It or Ticket” • Aug. 1 7-3 : “Booze It & Lose It” • Dec. 4-Jan. 2: “Booze It & Lose It” For county-by-county citation totals, visit the GHSP website at: www.ncdot.oni/secretarv/ghsp. —more— Governor's Press Office State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (919) 733-5166