According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, July 4th and July 3rd are, respectively, the 1st and 2nd deadliest days (http://1-800-247-legal.com/MOTOR_VEHICLE_ACCIDENT_FACT.html) of the year to drive. (“Traffic Safety Facts 2003”). The North Carolina State Highway Patrol has recently taken steps to prevent drunk drivers from inhabiting the roads during the extended July 4th weekend. The NC State Highway Patrol’s “Operation Firecracker” program has established over 5,200 “Booze It & Loose It” checkpoints across the state as well as increased the amount of patrols during the Independence Day weekend. (http://www.dui.com/dui-library/north-carolina/news/booze-it-lose-it). The overall goal of the program is to decrease the number of persons on the highway that are driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), as well as increase the public’s awareness of the dangers of drunk driving. In 2008, Governor Mike Easley announced that the Operation Firecracker campaign netted nearly 2,000 cases of drunk driving in North Carolina. (http://www.dui.com/dui-library/north-carolina/news/number-of-violations-for-north-carolina-dwi-listed). As you and your loved ones prepare for this year’s July 4th festivities, be mindful of the potentially reckless drivers with whom you will share the road. Additionally, try to avoid any unnecessary travel on major interstates or highways during the Independence Day weekend.