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On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign” Continues Over July 4 Holiday

Last Updated on June 29, 2015 5:13 pm

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will team with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies over the July 4 holiday weekend for the “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” safety campaign.

The annual multi-agency initiative works to ensure everyone can travel safely on the road and on the water during summer holidays. In North Carolina, a driver or boat operator with a blood-alcohol concentration that meets or exceeds .08 is subject to arrest.

“Operating a car or boat while impaired increases your chances of being involved and possibly injured in an accident,” said Lt. Sam Craft with the Wildlife Commission. “If alcohol is part of your holiday celebration, think before you drink. Have a designated driver. If you are charged with operating a boat while impaired, you will have to appear before a judge. Penalties include a maximum $1,000 fine and possible jail time.”

The “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign is coordinated by the Wildlife Commission, State Highway Patrol and Forensic Tests for Alcohol, and supported by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Governor’s Highway Safety Program, U.S. Coast Guard and local police and sheriff’s offices, along with participating non-governmental organizations, such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Craft added that boating at night typically increases on July 4, which requires boaters to use caution and to be especially observant. Visibility is reduced and inland lighting rules are in effect. Water skiing is prohibited between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise. Personal watercraft are prohibited on state waters between sunset and sunrise. Learn more about enjoying North Carolina’s waterways at www.ncwildlife.org/boating or call 919-707-0031.

About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.

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