RALEIGH – The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program is partnering with local and state law enforcement to enforce a simple, but weighty message: if you have consumed impairing substances, do not get behind the wheel.

The statewide “Holiday Booze It & Lose It” enforcement campaign increases public awareness and deters impaired people from driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and other impairing substances.

“Driving under the influence is deadly and illegal, and it should never be an option for getting home,” said GHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “We want everyone to enjoy the joy-filled holiday season, but we want everyone to do so responsibly. There are many available choices for a safe ride home; impaired driving is never the answer.”

Law enforcement agencies will increase the number of patrols and sobriety checkpoints in all 100 counties through Jan. 5.

According to the N.C. Department of Transportation, a total of 12,146 vehicle crashes involving an impaired driver occurred in North Carolina last year.

Of that number, 394 crashes resulted in fatalities.

Monday’s campaign launch was held at Wake Med’s Raleigh campus and included several speakers from healthcare, along with law enforcement and elected officials.

“Our mission is clear: to save lives by preventing impaired driving,” said Joseph Guzman, a registered nurse at UNC Health and founder of Nurses Against Drunk Driving. “We are committed to raising awareness, educating communities and advocating for policies that promote safe driving. Beyond advocacy, we aim to empower our hospital personnel, first responders and healthcare professionals to become vocal ambassadors of this message.”