Well, July 4 weekend is really here and even though most of us are just looking forward to having a good time this weekend, state and local law enforcement officers have other concerns: safety on the roads during this holiday weekend. This is why “Booze It & Loose It: Operation Firecracker” is being set up in Craven and Pamlico counties. 

Checkpoints and stepped-up patrols will go on until July 5, with random checkpoints set up in Craven and Pamlico counties. According to a State Police spokesman, there will be extra troopers on duty during the period and on Saturday a speed enforcement detail will be on the major highways in the area.

The reasons for these controls are clear: there were 377 alcohol-related crashes statewide, 322 with injuries and 12 that resulted in fatalities over the Fourth of July week last year, according to the State Highway Patrol.

In these accidents, more than 1,900 motorists were charged with driving while impaired during the holiday week last year. So have fun, but don’t drink and drive!