Campaign logs 6,000 arrests

State and local law enforcement officers wrapped up the most recent Booze It and Lose It campaign this week, logging almost 6,000 drunk driving arrests statewide.
“It is only through the dedication of our law enforcement partners that we were able to make the roadways of our state safer for all who use them,” said Darrell Jernigan, director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.
“Driving while impaired is always the wrong choice, and one which will not be tolerated.”
During the final week of the fall campaign, Lincoln agencies arrested 12 people for driving while impaired during 13 checkpoints and 23 saturation patrols.
In addition, officers issued 27 citations for safety belt violations and two for child passenger safety violations.
Eighty-six people were caught speeding, 12 were busted for driving with their license revoked and 145 were cited for other traffic violations.
Ten people were arrested on drug charges during those checkpoints and increased patrols.
During the campaign’s final week, officers statewide conducted more than 2,000 checkpoints and stepped-up patrols. Counties with the highest number of DWI citations include Mecklenburg, Robeson and Buncombe with 105, 55 and 41, respectively.
Besides the numerous traffic and restraint citations issued statewide, officers also apprehended 81 fugitives from justice and recovered 295 stolen vehicles.
Traffic safety enforcement campaigns for 2005 include Click It or Ticket in May and June and Booze It and Lose It in August. by Staff Reports