‘Sober or Slammer’: Cops in SC, York, Chester, Lancaster say don’t drink and drive
Law enforcement officials in York, Chester and Lancaster counties are asking people to make sure the year 2019 ends safely on the road, and 2020 begins the same way.
The best way is to avoid impaired or drunk driving, officers said. Local and South Carolina officials are in the midst of a “Sober or Slammer” campaign aimed at reducing drunk and impaired driving.
“The best answer is always be responsible. Don’t drink and drive,” said Joe Tate, chief deputy of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office and a retired S.C. Highway Patrol trooper. “Get a designated driver. The choice is easy and could save lives.”
Law enforcement in Chester has a multi-agency DUI task force.
A recent study by Safewise states South Carolina has had the third-most drunk driving incidents in America in past years. Area police departments, sheriff’s offices and highway patrol troopers have teamed up this year to stem that tide.
The S.C. Department of Public Safety has posted several public service announcements on their Web site and Facebook and Twitter social media in an effort to remind people about the dangers of impaired driving.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol said it will conduct a series of public safety checkpoints throughout the state during the New Year’s holiday period, the agency said.
York County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Trent Faris said the answer to drunk driving is simple: Don’t.
“Please don’t drive impaired - alcohol, drugs or distracted,” Faris said.
From New Year’s Eve into New year’s Day, driving can be dangerous.
In York County during the overnight hours of Dec. 31 2018 and Jan. 1 2019, three people died in two early morning crashes, troopers said
Traffic safety has become such a priority in York County in 2019 that prosecutors used money for troopers to work overtime patrolling county roads. Additionally, the sheriff’s office is starting a traffic safety unit.
Police departments in York, Fort Mill, and Lancaster, along with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office also have sent out social media reminders about the dangers of drinking and driving.
