RALEIGH — State and local law enforcement aim to make holiday travel safer during the Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s annual Labor Day Booze It & Lose It enforcement campaign from Aug. 18 to Sept. 4.

“Labor Day is a joyous family holiday that should never be marred by the tragic results of a drunk driver,” said Mark Ezzell, director of the GHSP. “Law enforcement agencies across North Carolina are partnering with our office to prevent these tragedies by taking drunk drivers off the road.”

Highway deaths caused by impaired drivers this year are down 23 percent from 2016, with 166 fatalities in North Carolina to date. GHSP urges everyone to make a plan to get home safely if planning to drink.

Visit BeSmarterThanThat.com, an innovative site that provides users a way to download ride apps, designate a sober driver, call a cab or find public transit options.

“Join us in keeping this Labor Day holiday as safe as possible,” Ezzell continued. “If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement immediately. This decision could be the difference between life and death.”

In its 23rd year, the Booze It & Lose It campaign complements the N.C. Vision Zero initiative, which aims to save lives on North Carolina roadways. The goal is to reach zero traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries through coordinated agency-to-agency efforts that help reduce risky driving behaviors.