Halloween is a time for costumes, candy and celebrations — not impaired driving. 

As festivities get underway across North Carolina, state officials are reminding drivers to plan ahead, make responsible choices and never drive impaired.

The North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program announced the return of its annual Halloween Booze It & Lose It campaign today during a press conference at the Safety City exhibit at the N.C. State Fair, where state and local officials joined safety advocates to encourage North Carolinians to make safe choices during Halloween celebrations.

Beginning Monday through November 1, law enforcement officers across all 100 counties will increase patrols and conduct sobriety checkpoints to identify impaired drivers and prevent crashes before they happen.

“Halloween should be a time for fun, not tragedy,” said GHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “Our Booze It & Lose It campaign is a reminder that impaired driving is preventable. Plan ahead, designate a sober driver and make sure you have a safe way home before the festivities begin. A little preparation can make all the difference in saving lives.”

Impaired driving continues to pose a serious threat to motorists, passengers and pedestrians throughout North Carolina. According to the N.C. Department of Transportation, a total of 387 alcohol-related deaths and 105 drug-related deaths occurred on state roads in 2025. 

During the 2025 Halloween Booze It & Lose It enforcement period, law enforcement officers made 594 DWI arrests as part of the statewide effort to deter impaired driving and save lives.

"Safety on our roads starts with the choices we make before getting behind the wheel. Too often, people underestimate how much alcohol or other impairing substances can affect their ability to drive," said Dr. Larry Greenblatt, state health director and state Department of Health and Human Services chief medical officer. "Please protect yourself and those around you, do not drive impaired and do not ride with someone who is." 

In addition to stepped-up enforcement, GHSP continues to promote safe driving through its Don’t Play With Death media campaign, which encourages drivers to make responsible decisions behind the wheel and recognize the potentially deadly consequences of dangerous driving behaviors.

North Carolinians can help prevent impaired-driving tragedies by choosing a designated sober driver, using a rideshare service or taxi, or arranging a safe ride before heading out. Anyone who suspects a driver is impaired should keep a safe distance and contact law enforcement when it is safe to do so.