SOUTH CAROLINA DRUNK DRIVING STATISTICS
According to the latest findings of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, intoxicated drivers are a serious problem in the state of South Carolina, and one that all South Carolina motorists need to be aware of.
In 2013, roughly 14,742 people were arrested on a DUI charge in Palmetto State. This is a surprisingly high number, but what is more alarming is the number of people who lost their lives in 2013 as a result of a drunk driver. According to the NHTSA, in 2013 44% of all traffic fatalities in SC were caused by alcohol-impaired driving. This is substantially higher than the national average of 31% and has earned South Carolina the dubious rank of worst state in the nation for its percentage of drunk driving fatalities.
Unfortunately, the statistics are not much better in our local community. In 2012, the SC Department of Public Safety reported that 2,037 people in York County were injured in accidents caused by drunk drivers. Worse yet, of the 27 reported traffic fatalities in York County in 2012, 10 were the result of alcohol-impaired driving.
These statistics are worrisome for anyone who regularly drives in South Carolina, and they reflect the real danger we face each time we get behind the wheel.
Thankfully, the SC General Assembly is taking action to help curb the rate of drunk driving accidents. In 2014, SC lawmakers enacted Emma’s Law which requires DUI offenders with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 or higher to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle for six months. Offenders must blow into the device prior to starting their vehicle. If the device detects that the driver is under the influence, the ignition is locked and the car disabled. Repeat offenders will be required to use the device for two years.
The experienced team of auto accident attorneys at Lewis Law Firm has been helping victims of drunk drivers get the compensation they deserve for many years. We represent the injured and make sure drunk drivers are held accountable for their actions. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed as a result of an alcohol-impaired driver, please contact us for a free consultation.