Christmas to New Year not the season for DUI in South Carolina, law enforcement says
As people gather for the Christmas and New Year holidays, law enforcement officials in South Carolina are planning extra efforts to combat drunk driving and DUI.
Th S.C. Highway Patrol and other state agencies are in the midst of a ‘Sober or Slammer’ holiday campaign that runs through the new year.
More than 1,000 people have died in collisions in South Carolina in 2021, officials said. In York County 40 people died in crashes in 2021, statistics show. In Chester County and Lancaster County, 16 people were killed in crashes in each county in 2021.
DUI, unsafe speeds, and failure to yield are the leading causes of crashes and fatalities, officials said.
S.C. Department of Public Safety Director Robert G. Woods IV said he hopes motorists in South Carolina will practice safer driving habits during the holiday season and heading into the new year.
“While the holidays are a time of celebration for most, this season is also a painful time for the more than 1,000 families who have lost loved ones in motor vehicle collisions,” Woods said. “The losses are incalculable for those affected and should motivate all drivers in the state to make safe and defensive driving priority one in keeping their families safe.”
The public safety department includes state transport police who focus on commercial vehicles.
York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson has issued public service announcements through social media to remind people not to drive while impaired. Deputies urge people to find a designated driver or use an alternative such as ride sharing if they are drinking.
In Lancaster County, Sheriff Barry Faile said deputies will hold checkpoints and have increased patrols in high traffic areas that will focus on impaired drivers.
Weather and gas
The weather is not expected to be a problem for drivers through the Christmas weekend. Warmer than average temperatures are expected and dry conditions are expected through next week.
AAA expects most South Carolina travelers to take road trips during the season from Christmas through the beginning of 2021.
Gas prices had dropped a few cents a gallon to about $3 across South Carolina, AAA reported.
Shopping and public area safety
Law enforcement agencies also encouraged people to use care when at large gatherings or doing last minute shopping to avoid becoming victims of crime. Police said it is good practice not to carry large amounts of cash, and to try to avoid leave bags in open sight in cars during shopping trips.
This story was originally published December 23, 2021 at 9:48 AM.
