RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, in partnership with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and local law enforcement, presents the 14th annual event “On the – Road, on the Water, Don't Drink and Drive safety campaign. This statewide initiative aims to reduce accidents and increase safety on both roadways and waterways during the summer months.
As part of the campaign, enforcement officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and increase public awareness efforts throughout North Carolina to deter vehicle and vessel disruptions. The campaign highlights the dangers of alcohol and drug use on the ability to drive and operate a boat and promotes the designation of drunk drivers and operators.
“Each year, our goal is to ensure everyone can enjoy summer activities safely,” said a spokesperson for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. “Alcohol and drug impairment is a significant risk factor for both drivers and vessel operators. We are committed to enforcing prohibition laws and educating the public to prevent these avoidable accidents. Masu.”
The Commission's statistics underline the importance of this campaign.
– Peak months for boating accidents are May, June, and July.
– There have already been 19 boating accidents in 2024, six of which were fatal.
– Alcohol was a contributing factor in two of these incidents.
The campaign will focus on the busy weekends, when travel and recreational activity historically surges.
– May 24-27, 2024
– July 4-6, 2024 (coinciding with the national campaign Operation Dry Water)
– August 30th to September 2nd, 2024
The committee also emphasizes the importance of wearing life jackets while on the water. Of the seven deaths recorded in 2024, only one person was wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) at the time of the accident.
State law requires anyone born after January 1, 1988 who operates a watercraft with a motor of 10 horsepower or more to complete an approved boating safety education course.
For additional safety information and resources, visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website at: https://www.ncwildlife.org/boating.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and its partners are reminding everyone to make safety a priority in order to have a fun and accident-free summer.
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