South Carolina law enforcement agencies are turning to DUI checkpoints in the effort to crack down on the growing issue of drunk driving. As a Columbia personal injury lawyer , I was astonished to hear that South Carolina has some of the highest rates of alcohol-related fatal car accidents in the country. Thanks to the diligent efforts of our law enforcement however, we’ve begun to see a decline in those statistics.
Last week, the SCHP established seven DUI checkpoints around the state in multiple counties such as North Augusta. According to SCHP officials in this news report, “Our main purpose out here tonight is to get impaired drivers off the roadway. Strict enforcement, education, making the public aware. It’s helping to make that number of fatalities come down even less than what it was.” So far, it seems that their efforts are paying off. Compared to last year, fatal car accident rates have dropped by 100, which is an amazing accomplishment.
The weekend’s checkpoints resulted in 130 citations and warnings ranging from driving with a suspended license to sending text messages while behind the wheel. Of those, 16 resulted in driving under the influence charges. The “Sober or Slammer” campaign seems to be doing their job, so as a responsible citizen it’s up to you to do yours. Grab a designated driver or taxi ride if you plan on drinking the next time you hit the town.