Asheville Police Department Ramps Up Efforts Through ‘Booze It and Lose It’ Campaign to Curb Drunk Driving Incidents
Introduction
ASHEVILLE, N.C.—The Asheville Police Department (APD) is currently in the thick of one of the most crucial times of the year—as it anticipates a surge in arrests related to drunk driving. To address this alarming issue, APD is participating in the “Booze It and Lose It” campaign statewide once more. “This is typically among the most hazardous times across the state for drunk driving,” shares APD Lt. Josh Hill in an interview. “Our priority is drunk driving.”
Statistics Point to Alarming Reality
The grim statistics justify their urgency. In the past year, fatal motor crashes instigated by intoxicated drivers amounted to 354 in North Carolina. So far this year, the number stands at 163.
“When the number of arrests spikes, it does not necessarily constitute bad news,” explains WNC DWI Task Force President Ellen Pitt. “What it implies is that they intercepted someone before they could potentially cause a fatal incident. We have to consistently remind people that there’s a safe way to celebrate.”
Booze It and Lose It: Key Objectives and Highlights
The “Booze It and Lose It” campaign kick-started on August 26 with a simple yet effective strategy: Stop, check, and if necessary, arrest drivers suspected of DWI. However, surprisingly, DWI is not the only crime leading to arrest.
“There are instances where their license had been suspended or there are pending arrest warrants against the driver. There could also be drugs in the vehicle,” Hill enlightens. “Moreover, it’s not always first-time offenders that we apprehend. Curbing underage drinking is another major objective for us.”
Fall, Brewing, and the Potential Escalation of Drunk Driving
APD also emphasizes that fall, in general, is a time when focus on drunk driving needs to be intensified. With breweries in Asheville whipping up special fall-themed brews, the alcohol by volume can, on occasions, more than double an average beer.
Ellen Pitt warns about the risks, “I’m not sure that everyone is realizing what they’re drinking might be the equivalent of two to two-and-a-half beers. What you can have in a craft beer or beer you buy in a convenience store can be two times, at least, of what your dad’s Budweiser used to be.”
Concluding Note
Whether there’s an ongoing campaign or not, APD implores citizens to not become part of the disturbing statistics. Lt. Hill urges, “Please make a phone call to get a taxi, uber or any kind of travel service that can take you home.” The results of this year’s campaign will be posted soon, including data on the arrest numbers. It may signify an uncomfortable reality, but the hope remains high for a safer future.
