WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program launched the Halloween Booze It & Lose It campaign that runs from Oct. 28 to Nov. 3.

A press conference to launch the initiative was held on Oct. 25 at the NC State Fair.

Drivers can expect to see an increase in patrols to highlight the dangers associated with driving while impaired by alcohol and drugs.

A Breath Alcohol Test (BAT) vehicle will be in Pender County on Nov. 1 and in New Hanover County on Nov. 2.

Mark Anderson is a Drug and Alcohol-Impaired Driving Specialist with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. He says on average every Halloween in Wilmington, 15 people are pulled into a BAT vehicle for a sobriety test.

He noted that people do not have to be at the illegal limit of .08 to get in trouble with the law. Anyone who is driving while impaired can be considered a danger.

“Driving while impaired is a crime. If you saw somebody that you thought was breaking into a car you would call 911. If you see somebody getting in a car that you clearly can tell shouldn’t be driving, that’s a crime that you are able to intervene and prevent before someone gets hurt or killed.

He says people can still enjoy the holidays but they have to be safe as well.

“Go let your hair down, go have a good time but you have to do it responsibly,” said Anderson.

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