In South Carolina, nearly half of all fatal crashes involve an impaired driver. December is a particularly hazardous month due to the increased alcohol consumption at holiday parties and events. That's why this month is considered National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. It's a time to address the dangers of impaired driving and urge drivers and event hosts to act responsibly.
On a local scale, the "Sober or Slammer" campaign by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) also addresses this serious issue. The campaign sends one clear message: that the choice to drive under the influence can lead to devastating consequences.
Nationally, about 32% of all traffic collision fatalities involve drunk driving, resulting in 13,524 deaths in 2022 alone. In South Carolina, from 2018 to 2022, there were 28,083 DUI-related collisions reported statewide.
How do I recognize impaired drivers on the road?
Identifying potentially impaired drivers can save your life and the lives of others. If you spot a suspected impaired driver, act quickly to stay safe. Keep a safe following distance and avoid passing the vehicle. If they’re behind you, turn right at the next safe spot to let them pass.
Should an impaired driver approach head-on, slow down immediately and pull as far to the right as possible to avoid a collision. Once you’re safe, call the police to report the driver. Share the vehicle's description, license plate, location, and direction of travel to help authorities respond.
Signs that someone is driving drunk include:
- Making unusually wide turns.
- Straddling or driving with tires on the centerline.
- Driving with all windows down in very cold weather.
- Almost hitting another vehicle, object, or person.
- Weaving, swerving, or driving on the shoulder.
- Driving at excessive or very slow speeds.
- Stopping without apparent cause.
- Following too closely or braking erratically.
- Drifting or crossing into opposite lanes.
- Changing speeds rapidly or very slowly.
Where does alcohol impairment begin?
BAC measures the amount of alcohol in a person's blood. For example, a 0.10% BAC means there is 100 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. In South Carolina, operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is illegal.
Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and affects concentration and decision-making. At a 0.08% BAC, you're three times more likely to be involved in a collision than with a zero BAC. At 0.25%, the risk increases to 25 times greater.
However, alcohol impairment can start as low as a BAC of .02. This is when someone begins to relax and experience some slight decline in judgment. While it's perfectly legal to drive with a BAC below .08, buzzed driving is still impaired driving. It can cloud drivers' judgment, slow response time, and impact their physical coordination. Buzzed driving also puts drivers at risk of drowsy driving and potentially falling asleep at the wheel, especially as the days get shorter.
Additionally, impairment depends on the amount of alcohol consumed, not the type of drink. A 12-ounce beer, a 4-ounce glass of wine, and 1.25 ounces of 80-proof liquor contain similar amounts of alcohol.
Our attorneys are committed to justice for crash victims
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Lexington, Columbia, or another South Carolina community, you could be facing a long recovery ahead. However, you shouldn't have to bear the responsibility. After all, you didn't cause the crash. That's why the South Carolina drunk driving accident lawyers at Johnson + Johnson Attorneys at Law are committed to helping you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
We have recovered millions for our clients through settlements and court verdicts. Our case results prove it. We’ll investigate your drunk driving crash, gather key evidence, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to get maximum compensation for your injuries.
Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. You don’t owe us a dime unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on healing while we handle your claim from start to finish.
Don’t wait to protect your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options moving forward.
"Hand down the best car accident defense attorney. They are friendly, helpful, and polite. They are easy to work with. They will answer all of your questions if it should come up at any time. They will go above and beyond for you! The outcome of my case was very good. Thank you." — Andy H., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
