Booze It and Lose it Day in NC

0-8, 0-8. 0-8 — those numbers have an important meaning for officers of the law.

The legal blood alcohol level while driving is .08.

To help enforce that, Governor Easley has named today, August 8th, 2008, Booze It and Lose It day in North Carolina.

That means state and local law enforcement officers will set up checkpoints and patrols across the state tonight.

Many of these points will include breathalyzer tests.

First Sgt. J.O. Holmes of the State Highway Patrol said, “The checkpoints will be random, they’ll be moving around to different spots. We won’t stay in one spot for too too long, and everybody will be required to show their drivers license and registration. The officers will be checking first and foremost for impairment, but also any other violations they may find.”

Officers say nearly 500 people died in our state last year due to alcohol related accidents. Nearly 20 died in New Hanover County alone.