Secretary Conti today announced that state and local law enforcement officers will be out in force as part of the “Booze It & Lose It” Labor Day campaign. Checkpoints and stepped-up patrols will be conducted today through Monday, Sept. 3, across the state in an effort to remove impaired drivers from the roads.

“Be responsible when you get behind the wheel.  If you choose to drink, then you need to find a designated driver,” Conti said.

Governor’s Highway Safety Program representatives, Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison, Garner Police Chief Brandon Zuidema, Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby Jr. and local law enforcement kicked off the campaign in Raleigh today.

In 2011, there were 565 alcohol-related crashes during the Labor Day holiday, which resulted in 27 fatalities and 459 injuries.

For more information regarding “Booze It & Lose It” or for citation totals, contact GHSP Assistant Director Don Nail (919) 733-3083, or visit the GHSP website.