Public Safety Announces DUI Crackdown

Recently, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety announced their plan statewide to crackdown on impaired driving this summer—specifically, DUI offenses. SCDPS launched the “Sober or Slammer!” campaign on August 20^th and it will run through the end of Labor Day, September 7^th.

With the upcoming extended weekend, traffic is expected to be heavier than usual as most families venture out for one last summer outing. As football season begins, the Labor Day Southern 500 Darlington race, and the last extended weekend of the summer, roads are sure to be jam-packed.

South Carolina Highway Patrol and State Troopers will be on the lookout for drunk drivers on these busy long road stretches. SCDPS is encouraging those who recognize a reckless or impaired driver on the road to dial *HP to notify authorities.

Since Memorial Day, approximately 218 people have died on SC roadways, which is a pretty dramatic increase from last year’s total of 181 for the same period of time, according to SCDPS. Unfortunately, driving while under the influence remains to be a huge factor in too many of these fatal accidents.

Even more shocking, last year, SC law enforcement made more than 23,000 DUI arrests and the SC Highway patrol made about 14,000 DUI arrests—that is just for the state of South Carolina alone—yikes.

As you prepare to travel this coming weekend—or simply stay home—take precautions on the roadways and report any impaired driver you see. By doing so, you may save someone’s life by being part of the “Sober or Slammer!” campaign. Although the campaign ends after Labor Day, there’s no limit on taking action to do the right thing. Be safe, don’t drink and drive, and enjoy the last extended weekend of the summer!