‘On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive’ this Memorial Day Weekend

[Courtesy NC Wildlife]

“On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” is an annual campaign by local and state law enforcement agencies, supported by public safety advocates including Mothers Against Drunk Driving. This is the 12th year of the campaign.

Enforcement officers will be conducting sobriety checkpoints and promoting public awareness to deter impaired operation of vehicles and vessels. The use of drugs and alcohol affects safe operation of motor vehicles and watercraft.

Most boating accidents occur in the months of May, June and July. Operator inattention is a leading cause of boating accidents.

Awareness and enforcement efforts are centered on the busy summer holiday weekends:

  • May 27-30, 2022
  • July 2 – 4, 2022 (Operation Dry Water national campaign)
  • Sept. 2-5, 2022

Out of all the boating accidents investigated in 2021 in North Carolina, there were 19 fatal boating incidents resulting in 23 fatalities. Four of these incidents were affected by alcohol use. Not wearing a life vest was a contributing factor in many of those fatal accidents.

A large number of recreational boating fatalities are caused by drowning. Most drowning victims had a life vest available, but weren’t wearing it when they entered the water. Accidents happen quickly, and wearing a life vest is the best way to be prepared. For more information on life jacket safety, visit ncwildlife.org/preserveyourlife.

State law requires anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 who is operating a vessel powered by a 10-horsepower or greater motor to complete an approved boating safety education course or otherwise be in compliance with the law.

The “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign is led by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, The North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and local police and sheriff’s offices.

More boating safety information can be found at ncwildlife.org/boating

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