By Tripp Girardeau
Aiken Standard
AIKEN, S.C. — There have been 25 highway deaths in Aiken County this year, compared to 20 last year, which state and local authorities say is way too high as they kicked off their annual Sober or Slammer campaign Tuesday at the North Augusta Firehouse.
“This year, there have been 889 traffic related deaths on South Carolina roads, which is 121 more deaths than last year,” said Lt. Verne Sadler with the North Augusta Department of Public Safety. “We are kicking off this campaign by saying we want to bring this number down to zero.”
The campaign began with an launching event in seven counties around the state Tuesday, and the “DUI enforcement blitz” will run through Jan. 1, said Lance Cpl. Judd Jones with the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
“Starting now, we are going to be out in force, and we want everyone to know we’ll be out there,” Jones said. “We want people to take some responsibility for themselves this year. If you’re going to be out partying, make arrangements for safety precautions ahead of time. Because if you drive drunk, you may get caught and spend the night in jail; or you just may lose your life of take someone else’s.”
Driving under the influence is the public’s No. 1 enemy on the roadways, said Lt. Nicklous King with Highway Patrol.
“Alcohol-related deaths make up 40 percent of roadway deaths in South Carolina,” King said. “During this campaign, you will see more officers out in force taking drunk drivers to jail. Last year, (around) 24,000 drunk drivers were arrested statewide; and 900 of those were in Aiken County.”
Law enforcement stressed that residents who intend to drink alcohol during this holiday season find a designated driver, call a taxi, or just stay wherever they are while they are drinking.
Under South Carolina law, a first-offense conviction for DUI carries fines of almost $1,000 when assessments and surcharges are tallied, imprisonment for up to 30 days and suspension of a driver’s license for six months, according to The Associated Press.
Of the 767 highway deaths in 2013, there were 335 people killed in a DUI-related roadway accident, King said.
“Too many times we have had to accompany the coroner to someone’s door to inform them that their loved one has died in a traffic accident,” said Senior State Trooper Matthew Butler. “I have heard many excuses during my time with Highway Patrol, and there is never an excuse to get behind the wheel after drinking too much.”
Highway Patrol will be setting up check points during the Sober or Slammer campaign this year.
They will also be checking for drivers doing things out of the ordinary, such as driving too slow, swerving in their lane and driving with their lights off.
“We are asking for the public’s help during this year’s campaign,” said King. “Be safe and help each another out. Call us if you see someone out there driving drunk so we can get them off the road. And the most the important steps you can take is always buckle up when you get behind the wheel. Every trip. Every time.”
Anyone who sees a possibly impaired motorist is asked to call 911 or the Highway Patrol by dialing *HP (*47).
Copyright 2015 Aiken Standard