New Hanover, Brunswick Counties see more drunken drivers

NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Some disturbing statistics today from state Highway Patrol: there are more drunken drivers on our roads here in New Hanover and Brunswick Counties than most other counties in North Carolina.

In fact, drunken driving arrests are up 28 percent in our two local counties over last year, which also means the number of alcohol related accidents is up 12 percent.

Sgt. Holmes with the Highway Patrol says officers are trying to send the message about the dangers of drunk driving to the next generation of drivers.

“We have a lot of vacations, a lot of people coming to town, out of town, not in their hometown to do things they would not ordinarily do,” Holmes said.

Holmes said the Highway Patrol is working to cut down on the number of DUIs by visiting schools and drivers education classes to try and teach students about the dangers of drunk driving before they even get behind the wheel.