Summer is in full swing, which typically means holidays and travel time. With more people out on the roads, the South Carolina Highway Patrol has launched a campaign targeting impaired and drunk driving. While these campaigns are always filled with good intent, they can also lead to officers looking for issues.
Target Zero began earlier this month, with the goal of having zero fatalities on South Carolina roads. So far this year, more than 300 people have lost their lives on our roadways. Though this number is lower than the previous year, it is still far more than anyone would like to see.
As part of this campaign, DUI checkpoints are set up in an effort to screen for impaired drivers and drunk drivers. Along with set checkpoints, law enforcement officers will be on the lookout for any driver showing signs of driving under the influence. While these tasks are assigned with the best of intentions, they could also lead to unnecessary or unwarranted stops.
The possible penalties associated with an impaired or drunk driving charge can be extensive, based on South Carolina laws. While the consequences of a conviction may vary, determined by the number of violations on a person’s record, basics — such as fines, jail time, loss of driving privileges and/or community service — could apply. Those facing DUI charges maintain the right to defend themselves. The ability to review and assess police reports and other potential prosecution evidence could result in the discovery of important legal challenges to present in court.
Source: wsav.com, “D.U.I Crackdown in Progress: ‘Target Zero’ Comes to the Lowcount”, Ashleigh Holland, July 4, 2014