10/30/12 — Police watching for those driving under the influence

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Police watching for those driving under the influence

By John Joyce
Published in News on October 30, 2012 1:46 PM

The Governor's Highway Safety Campaign will be cracking down on drivers overindulging in the Halloween spirits this week. The saturation patrols and random checkpoints began operating Thursday, and will continue through Halloween, Wednesday.

More than 10,000 alcohol-related accidents occurred on North Carolina highways, and, according to the department of transportation, 388 deaths and 8,159 injuries were reported.

Costumed revelers intending to mix the Monster Mash with sour mash, or other concoctions, should have a plan and a designated driver.

The "BATMobiles," five law-enforcement mobile breath-alcohol testing units, will be in operation throughout the week.

Last year more than 750 DWI charges were filed against impaired motorists, with about 1,600 checkpoints set up statewide.