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Throughout the year, North Carolina law enforcement agencies use saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints during operations to enforce North Carolina driving while impaired laws. But many holidays bring extra attention for statewide DWI enforcement efforts. Many people all across the country attend parties or go to bars to drink green beer and party on St. Patrick’s Day. This year, the annual unofficial spring holiday falls on a Sunday.

Law enforcement agencies across the state are planning on extra enforcement efforts throughout the weekend in the belief that St. Patrick’s celebrations will extend to the entire weekend, beginning Friday.

Local agencies in Pitt County generally have some kind of extra enforcement plans for events or holidays that police believe may bring out more revelers than the average weekend. State officials say that law enforcement agencies statewide will be participating in a St. Patrick’s Day “Booze It and Lose It” DWI enforcement campaign.

This year, officials from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program say that law enforcement will unveil a new North Carolina BATMobile during the weekend. The concept of the BATMobile is not new, we have discussed to units in previous posts. However, state officials say the new 40 foot mobile unit has two magistrate stations and six breath testing stations to facilitate DWI investigations and allegations.

St. Patrick’s Day fell on a Saturday last year. With the day falling on the weekend law enforcement charged 819 people with DWI or underage drinking and driving across the state. As we reported last year, more than 100 of the 800 plus drunk driving arrests last year involved underage drinkers. This year the weekend DWI enforcement campaign will run Friday through Sunday March 17.

Source: WECT, “BATMobile to be unveiled in St. Patrick’s Day ‘Booze It & Lose It’,” Debra Worley, March 13, 2013

Greenville DUI Attorney Blog | North Carolina Underage Drinking Lawyer | Pitt County First DUI Law Firm

As with every three-day weekend, the Labor Day weekend is a cause of concern for law enforcement agencies across the state when it comes to drunk driving. Unfortunately, even with all the law enforcement checkpoints in place and all the public awareness about the dangers of drunk driving, every Labor Day weekend there are Florida and Hialeah car accidents and traffic stops caused by DUI.

This year, the Florida Highway Patrol is taking part in a national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative that will continue through September 3. In addition, police will be more vigilant during the holiday weekend in order to try to prevent Florida and Hialeah drunk driving accidents. To avoid a tragedy this holiday weekend, follow these tips:

1) Do not assume a small amount of alcohol is OK. In Florida, the legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.08%. For a woman who weighs 120 pounds, it may take only two to three drinks to exceed this limit. For a 190-pound adult man, it may take three to four drinks to exceed the limit. Depending on the physical condition of the person and the strength of the drinks served, however, it can take less. As well, some experts question the 0.08 percent limit, noting that for some people by the time they approach this limit their reasoning, peripheral vision, depth perception, and reflexes may be affected. In fact, most European countries have set their blood alcohol limits much lower and some nations have eliminated any drinking for drivers. Experts believe that even if you are below the official blood alcohol limit, you may still be affected enough by the alcohol to cause a Hialeah car accident. The best option is to avoid driving if you have been drinking at all. Keep in mind that secondary factors such as the heat or fatigue after a late-night Labor Day party can amplify the effects of just one drink.

2) Do not belittle other risk factors. Some drivers assume that as long as they are not drinking and driving, they are being responsible. However, if you are driving distracted or tired, you may be just as much risk on the road. For example, if you stay out late after a Labor Day party and then drive you may be just as liable to fall asleep at the wheel and cause a Hialeah pedestrian accident as someone who has been drinking.

3) Have multiple options for getting home. You are more likely to choose a safe route home if you choose several options. Designate a driver, but also have money and taxi company phone numbers to get home safely, for example. The more options you have, the more likely you are to make the right choice.

4) Remove temptation in the first place. If you are attending a Labor Day event where you know you may drink, consider taking a taxi or a bus to the event in the first place, so that driving home in your car is not even an option. Or, consider an alcohol-free event.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

The last time Manitoba’s Sunday shopping laws had a makeover, grunge fashion was sweeping into style, flannel shirts and baggy pants. Better still if it came from a thrift store.
Manitoba stories

The summer celebrations that surround the Fourth of July always bring extra drunk driving saturation patrols and DWI checkpoint operation throughout North Carolina. This year is no different. Law enforcement says that extra DWI patrols and checkpoints will dot the state throughout this year’s holiday.

The Wildlife Resources Commission is joining the North Carolina Highway Patrol and agents with the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division in DWI enforcement over the holiday. The multiple agencies are joining together in an operation dubbed, “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive.” Agents and officers will reportedly be in heavy force near North Carolina parks and water recreational areas through the holiday to enforce the state’s tough DWI laws.

With the Fourth of July falling in the middle of the week, law enforcement is expanding this year’s efforts to beyond the traditional idea of the Fourth of July holiday period. Extra saturation patrols and DWI checkpoints can be expected through the weekend.

While the Fourth itself can be expected to be highly patrolled, the summer operation focusing on recreational areas and parks can be expected throughout the weekend. Officials say the operation known as On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive will begin Friday and run through midnight Sunday, July 8, according to the Salisbury Post.

Source: Salisbury Post, “Law enforcement on the road, in the water for holiday,” July 2, 2012

Greenville DUI Attorney Blog | North Carolina Underage Drinking Lawyer | Pitt County First DUI Law Firm

Law enforcement agencies statewide added extra patrols, used saturation patrols and set up sobriety checkpoints over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. The holiday fell on a Saturday this year–something that has not happened since 2007. The weekend law enforcement “Booze it and Lose it” campaign brought, not only a high number of arrests for driving while impaired, but also resulted in more than 23,000 overall traffic citations.

The North Carolina Transportation office says that 819 drivers were cited for some level of DWI during the weekend DWI enforcement campaign, which ran from March 15 to March 18. The DWI crackdown involved a total of 2,122 DWI checkpoints and DWI saturation patrol details across North Carolina. In addition to the 819 DWI arrests, law enforcement agencies issued 23, 222 traffic and criminal citations during the weekend campaign.

Pitt County law enforcement agencies set up 4 DWI checkpoints and an additional 4 DWI saturations patrols during the St. Patrick’s Day “Booze it and Lose it” campaign, according to the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

Twenty four adult motorists were charged with DWI in Pitt County. Generally, a motorist can face DWI charges based upon an officer’s observations of impairment or based upon a chemical test showing a test result of 0.08 percent or more alcohol concentration under North Carolina law.

A different standard exists for drivers under the age of 21. North Carolina has a zero tolerance policy for underage DUI. Any evidence of alcohol consumption before driving, including any measurable alcohol level in a DWI chemical test is sufficient to lead to underage drunk driving charges in the state.

Pitt County law enforcement agencies cited six drivers for underage drunk driving charges over the weekend. Among the 819 overall DWI charges filed over the weekend statewide, 103 of those overall North Carolina DWI charges involved an underage motorist.

Source: Mountain Times, “St. Patrick’s Day ‘Booze It & Lose It’ nets 819 DWI arrests,” Mar. 22, 2012

Greenville DUI Attorney Blog | North Carolina Underage Drinking Lawyer | Pitt County First DUI Law Firm

The last weekend of summer, also known as Labor Day weekend, can be a chance for a final barbecue. However, this is also the weekend when many Florida car accidents, boating accidents, and Florida drunk driving accidents take place. To stay safe this weekend, authorities suggest:

1) Staying alert for road checks. Police authorities in most cities step up roadside checks and are extra vigilant on the final weekend before school commences. If you do see authorities stopped by the side of the road conducting road checks, get ready to stop and comply with authorities. They are there to help you. Also, be aware of a heavier police presence during the weekend.

2) Drivers avoid drive distracted. Driving distracted is always a danger. Whether you are taxing on your mobile device, having a very animated conversation with passengers, paying attention to your radio, eating a sandwich, or making a cell phone call, any form of distraction can put you more at risk for Florida pedestrian accidents, car accidents, and other types of traffic accidents. Anything that removes your focus or eyes from the road can be potentially deadly. Leave your mobile device at home or turn it off before getting in your car, and prepared to put your entire focus on driving.

3) Getting adequate rest before driving. Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as distracted driving or even drunk driving. Not getting enough rest can slow your response times and can even cause you to nod off at the wheel, causing you to lose control of your vehicle. If you’re too tired to drive, take a taxi or have a passenger drive you home. At this time of year, most of us are extra busy, but taking care not to drive fatigue can help prevent a Florida car accident.

4) Buckling up. Before starting the car, make sure that you and all your passengers are restrained with age-appropriate safety restraints. Whether that means a booster seat for children or seatbelts for the adults, ensuring that everyone is safe is a top priority. Age-appropriate safety restraints and seatbelts help keep you in place in case you are in a car accident. Proper use of seat belts and safety restraints can help reduce the instances of Florida brain injuries caused by car accidents.

5) Drivers avoid tailgating. It is important to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. If the car in front of you brakes suddenly, you will have enough room to maneuver to avoid an accident.

6) Developing a “get home safe” plan. Unfortunately, many Florida drunk driving accidents still do occur on Labor Day weekend. Don’t become part of the statistic. Develop a drive safe home plan — whether that involves taking a taxi or designating a driver — and stick to it.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

We are on our way to Virginia Beach to join with MADD Southside Virginia in honoring their law enforcement officers for their efforts to fight drunk driving. Clearly the Labor Day weekend traffic has begun. Our highway safety officials are warning us to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. This symbolizes the last weekend of the summer when families frequently share the time together. The roads are jammed with cars filled with families.

We at MADD just want you to enjoy the time by planning a way home with a sober driver. My own daughter was killed when she was only 15, her life cut short before it began. Be sure no one you love has their life cut short by someone who chooses to drink and drive. Jan Withers….MADD President

Blog to Eliminate Drunk Driving

This weekend, our Ask, Listen, Learn program will be in Boston, MA at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. We’re going to bring our Ask, Listen, Learn kids fitness games to the event, so that kids there can get a workout too. Our kids fitness games will also teach kids the importance of good nutrition, and to say ‘YES’ to a healthy lifestyle and to say ‘NO’ to underage drinking.

Since 1996, the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix has played host to six World Records, nine American Records and 19 other national records. For anyone with an interest in professional track and field, this is a must-see event. We’re excited to be a part of it!

The games will begin this Saturday, February 5th at 5 o’clock.

We’re looking forward to seeing these world-class athletes compete – Please drop us a line if you plan on being there!

Century Council Blog

Everyone loves a Memorial Day weekend party, but a new study suggests that some kids are having more holiday ‘fun’ than they should.

Underage-drinking related visits to hospital emergency rooms are 11 percent higher on the typical Memorial Day weekend than on normal days, according to a new study (PDF) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Also, ER visits for problems associated with combined alcohol and other drug use by those under age 21 are 27 percent higher over the holiday weekend.

Youth alcohol-related admissions over the three-day weekend average 577 daily, compared to 519 on a typical day. Admissions for combined use of alcohol and other drugs average 199 visits, compared to 156 normally.

The data are from SAMHSA’s Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN).

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Mothers Against Drunk Driving (Orange County)