Tomorrow night CMPD will be partnering with Operation Safe Streets to try to prevent drunk driving before it even starts.
The Mecklenburg County ABC Board initially established a program to help people who have drunk too much find a safe way home.
“The goal is to stop as many individuals as possible who have consumed alcohol and their intentions are to operate a motor vehicle. Arrest is not our purpose during this operation. Our goal is to stop impaired individuals before they get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. If during our voluntary contact an officer has determined that an individual’s BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is .08 or greater, we will offer them a safe ride home, either by getting a friend/relative to agree to pick them up, or by Taxi with a free ride voucher,” according to their website.
Since the night before Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the biggest DUI nights of the year, Operation Safe Streets will go into action tomorrow night. Police will be stationed in the parking lots of many of Charlotte’s most popular bars to confront would-be drunk drivers.
If they spot someone who looks drunk with car keys in their hand, they will confront them and give them a personal breathalyzer to blow into. If they blow a .08 or higher, then a cab or Uber will be called for them and Operation Safe Streets will pay for it.
The program also helps officers identify bars where employees serve too much alcohol to customers who are clearly intoxicated (illegal under NC law) – guilty bars can temporarily lose their liquor license or be forced to pay substantial fines.
Stay safe this holiday season!