NEW HANOVER CO., N.C. (WECT) – Local law enforcement agencies are working to increase patrol as St. Patrick’s Day weekend approaches.

New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office (NHCSO) stresses the danger that comes with the Irish holiday.

NHCSO and other law enforcement agencies are participating in the Booze It & Lose It Campaign to limit drinking and driving.

“We will saturate areas with multiple officers, multiple agencies just to try and alleviate people from drinking and driving,” said NHCSO Lt. Jerry Brewer. “We all know they cause deaths, they cause many bad things so if we can get those people off the road, that’s the goal.

With St. Patrick’s Day just four days away, the goal is to reduce the number of DWIs.

Brewer says there won’t be sober checkpoints because a BAT vehicle isn’t available, but they will have extra patrols.

He says it’s important for everyone to remember, that one decision to get behind the wheel after drinking can have life-changing consequences for you or others.

“If we get one drunk driver off the road then it was worth it if we can save one life,” said Brewer.

The campaign runs now until Monday, March 17th, which is St. Patrick’s Day.

Brewer suggests finding a ride if you’ve been drinking or the NHCSO can give you a free ride to jail.

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