RALEIGH, NC (May 25, 2017)…The State Highway Patrol along with the Wildlife Resources Commission Law Enforcement Division have announced they are combining forces once again to combat impaired operation on both the roadways and waterways across the state. A campaign entitled On the Road/On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive was launched today during a press event held at Falls Lake in Wake Forest.
Impaired Motorists Targeted to Combat Collision Numbers…
The campaign will target safe and sober operation of motor vehicles and boats. Last year, SHP investigated 275 fatal collisions and over 9,578 injury collisions during the summer months. This included 54 fatal collisions and 844 injury collisions due to impaired driving.
“Partnering with fellow law enforcement agencies to accomplish the goal of saving lives is something we always encourage”, said Colonel Glenn McNeill, commander of the State Highway Patrol. “This campaign is simply another way we focus on removing impaired motorists from our state’s roadways.”
Several partners from state and local law enforcement, the Forensic Test for Alcohol Branch and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving N.C. chapter were on hand for the event.
Speakers included SHP Capt. Daryl Conley and WRC Maj. W. Todd Kennedy.
Montana Marshall Poe, sister of Sheyenne Marshall who was tragically killed as a result of an impaired boating accident in 2015, also provided remarks. In 2016, Sheyenne’s Law was passed, making it a felony charge if a boater is impaired and accidently injuries or kills another person on the water.