Motorists planning to drink and drive should take heed that law enforcement officials will be watching for them. The first Booze It and Lose It campaign of 2010 kicked off Friday and runs through March 17, covering the St. Patrick’s holiday.

A campaign of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, Booze It and Lose It focuses on drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol, illegal and prescription drugs. It is geared toward bringing awareness to drinking and driving (as well as operating vehicles under the influence of any impairing substance) and the effects combining the two can have in an effort to reduce driving while impaired (DWI) incidents.

The illegal blood alcohol content in North Carolina is .08. Alcohol is the second leading cause of vehicle crashes in the state behind speed.

A first offense for DWI can lead to the suspension of a driver’s license for 30 days, and if convicted, the loss of driving privileges for up to 12 months. DWI convictions also can lead to a total loss of driving privileges and even increased insurance rates, not to mention damage to vehicles or other property and potential fatalities.

North Carolina has five Booze It and Lose It campaigns each year. The next campaign focused on drinking and driving will be June 28-July 4, covering the Independence Day holiday, and there is a campaign scheduled for Aug. 20-Sept. 6 that includes Labor Day. A shorter initiative, similar to the St. Patrick’s Day campaign, will cover the Halloween holiday from Oct. 29-31, and the longest campaign of the year will begin Dec. 3 and run through Jan. 2, covering the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.