State and local law enforcement officers across North Carolina issued 560,778 traffic and criminal citations during "Click It or Ticket" and "Booze It & Lose It" campaigns last year.

"Law enforcement agencies across the state are helping save lives by participating in these important campaigns," said Gov. Bev Perdue. "I urge citizens to drive safely by remembering to obey the speed limit, do not drive after drinking, and always wear a seat belt no matter where you are seated in a vehicle."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that North Carolina's 2008 safety belt usage rate increased to 88.9 percent, its highest rate ever.

Last year's totals include 15,789 driving while impaired arrests and 57,767 occupant protection citations for safety belt and child passenger safety violations. Officers also issued 175,603 speeding violations and recovered 3,733 fugitives from justice.