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Carolina Cup DUI Enforcement Proves Effective

Only 3 People Charged with DUI at Carolina Cup

DUIThe Carolina Cup is a huge event in South Carolina every year, involving formal wear, horse racing, partying, and drinking. Police have patrolled the event for years, in an effort to prevent underage drinking among college students, as well as DUI.

This year, the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department, collaborating with SLED and other law enforcement agencies across the state, stepped up DUI enforcement, and noted that this year, Carolina Cup participants seemed to take officers more seriously. There were only 3 DUI arrests the entire event.

Kershaw County Sheriff Jim Matthews said that 14 deputies who are trained in DUI enforcement made 281 DUI traffic stops during the Carolina Cup, inspecting vehicles for drunk drivers. Amazingly, most people made responsible choices this year to prevent DUI.

“I asked my officers if they were working or not and the response was that in most of those traffic stops there was a designated driver,” said Sheriff Matthews. “I told them that was great news as it seemed like people were getting the message.”

The DUI traffic stops did net other alcohol violations, including 66 open container violations, 8 minor possession charges, 2 marijuana possession charges, and an assortment of other minor traffic violations. Sheriff Matthews said that aggressive DUI enforcement throughout the day helped stop many major violations, as Carolina Cup spectators were aware of the law enforcement presence.

“Keeping impaired drivers off the road so that others can travel Kershaw County roads safely, is our goal. Aggressive DUI enforcement seems to be working as people are finally figuring out that we are serious in Kershaw County about drunk drivers. Our overall goal would be to continue aggressive enforcement and at the end of the day have no DUI arrests and no DUI related vehicle collisions. Alcohol consumption at The Carolina Cup generally results in a good number of arrests, to include DUI arrests. We want to shed the dubious distinction of having one of the highest DUI fatality rates in South Carolina,” said Sheriff Matthews. “I am very pleased with these numbers.”

Field Sobriety Tests Aid Law Enforcement During a DUI Traffic Stop

Field sobriety tests, or FSTs, were developed to help law enforcement officers assess whether a driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. FSTs commonly include the Walk and Turn and the Nystagmus test.

Fortunately, South Carolina law dictates that the stop be filmed. Our South Carolina DUI defense attorneys will immediately request all of the evidence, including video of your traffic stop, to help you in court.

The Strom Law Firm Helps Those Charged with DUI in South Carolina

If you face DUI charges in South Carolina, you could be worried that your professional and personal reputation will be ruined. The South Carolina DUI defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. We offer free, confidential consultations regarding your charges, so contact us today for help. 803.252.4800

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