Local News

Over 800 drivers not so lucky during St Patrick's

Over 800 drivers statewide were arrested during the St. Patrick's Day holiday for driving under the influence, according to numbers released Tuesday by the state Department of Transportation.

Posted 2014-03-25T20:26:55+00:00 - Updated 2014-03-25T20:30:33+00:00

A checkpoint at Wade Avenue and Interstate 40 Saturday night found 79 violations, said Phyllis Stephens, spokeswoman for the sheriff's office. Agents arrested three people wanted on outstanding warrants and issued 10 citations for DWI and three for having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle.

More than 800 drivers statewide were arrested during the St. Patrick's Day holiday for driving under the influence, according to numbers released Tuesday by the state Department of Transportation.

The most DWI arrests were in Wake County (92) followed by Mecklenburg (64), Cumberland (41), Guilford (39) and Robeson (32) counties.

“The only lucky charm guaranteed to work this St. Patrick’s Day was a designated driver,” said Don Nail, director of the NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program, in a statement. “Thanks to the efforts of law enforcement, those who drove drunk got caught. The officers will continue their efforts day and night until drivers no longer get behind the wheel after drinking."

Officers also issued 23,867 traffic and criminal citations at 3,959 checkpoints and patrols statewide. The citations include:

- 6,579 speeding violations

- 1,685 seat belt violations

- 729 drug charges

- 282 child passenger safety violations

- 170 work zone violations

In addition, 612 fugitives were apprehended and 21 stolen vehicles were recovered.