The Governor’s Highway Safety Program will increase DWI and safety checkpoints throughout the state as part of its “Booze It and Lose It” campaign with Campus Police participation.

Last December, 120 vehicle-related fatalities were reported along the state’s highways.

Beth Horner, a public information officer for the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, said the campaign asks state and local law enforcement to “step up” patrols and check points from Nov. 30 until Jan. 2.

“The overall goal of the program is to educate motorists to plan ahead during the holidays. They can enjoy themselves and drink, but they need to plan for alternate transportation,” Horner said.

Capt. Jon Barnwell of Campus Police said an unusual increase in students receiving DWI charges has caused some concern, but no DWI checkpoints are designated for campus.

“Anytime the Governor’s Highway Safety Program has one of their campaigns, be it ‘Booze It and Lose it’ or ‘Click It or Ticket,’ Campus Police participates,” Barnwell said.

He added that while no DWI checkpoints are designated for campus, safety and license checks are sometimes put in place. The safety checks allow Campus Police to make sure students are buckling up.

Horner said the “Booze It and Lose It” program began in 1994. She also said she did not have any data to reflect whether there has been a decrease in accidents as a result of the program.

“Anytime there is an increase in traffic and motorists on the roads, they are more susceptible to impaired driving, speeding and seat-belt violations,” Horner said.

Erin Koehler, a graduate student in operations research, said because she lives off campus, she doesn’t feel drunken driving on campus affects her directly.

Koehler did say, however, that she does have concerns about drunken drivers in the city. “It is a concern, but at the same time, I don’t go out driving when I know there is an increased probability of people being drunk on the roads,” she said.

Barnwell said Campus Police plays its part by assisting local law enforcement officers at checkpoints that are designated by a Wake County coordinator.

At each checkpoint, there are around three or four Campus Police officers as well as local police officers.

According to Barnwell, campus is typically quieter during the holidays and Campus Police does not observe an increase in accidents. “Most students just want to finish their exams and go home,” Barnwell said.