Campaign will target drunk drivers on the road and water

State troopers and wildlife officers will once again conduct numerous traffic checkpoints near boat launches this summer to keep more impaired drivers off the roads.

Officers with the State Highway Patrol and Wildlife Resources Commission announced their “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign Thursday at Blythe Landing Park on Lake Norman in Huntersville.

“As the summer months approach with increased temperatures, the number of motorists will also increase throughout North Carolina,” said Col. Bill Grey, commander of the State Highway Patrol. “Troopers, along with other allied agencies, will work diligently to ensure safe travel on our roadways by removing those who choose to drive while impaired.”

Last summer, the State Highway Patrol investigated 264 fatal collisions and 9,169 injury wrecks, including 68 fatal collisions and 883 injury wrecks due to impaired driving.

Officers said they will conduct checkpoints around Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.

This story was originally published May 14, 2015 at 9:02 AM with the headline "Campaign will target drunk drivers on the road and water."