SC agencies plan increased enforcement efforts during 4th of July holiday week

LEXINGTON, SC (WOLO) — With the 4th of July holiday around the corner, state agencies are warning motorists and boaters about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

The holiday also falls in the middle of what troopers call the ‘100 Deadly Days of Summer’, a period that runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

“During last year’s 4th of July weekend, law enforcement officers from across the state reported 301 DUI arrests. This is compared to 115 in 2018,” said Col. Christopher Williamson, SC Highway Patrol commander.

This year, South Carolina Highway Patrol will have more officers on the roadways as well as setting up checkpoints. The checkpoints hope to detect all traffic violations and not just drinking and driving.

“If they’re driving under suspension or if they don’t have a valid driver’s license. We want to make sure everyone has a seatbelt and children are in the proper seat,” Williamson said. “We will be there to enforce all of those traffic laws to save lives.”

Troopers also warn drivers to follow the speed limit. Speed and alcohol are also dangerous out on the water. Last year, SCDNR reported 170 boating accidents and 22 deaths statewide. 

 “Having checkpoints at boat landings. People pull up and see the officer’s presence,” said Col. Chisolm Frampton, SCDNR law enforcement division commander. “I think that’s a great deterrent for people to think about having a sober skipper or driver.”

Lawmakers passed a bill this legislative session that also aims to keep the waters safe.

“This year we finally passed the boater safety law. It has been a long time coming,” said Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon. “Much like the hunter safety law, it will require folks to take classes as they hit a particular age and will make the waterways safer.”

If you go out on a boat, all passengers are encouraged to have life jackets and you should also have the required safety equipment on board.

“Our boating courtesy inspection sites will be set up across the state at various boat landings,” Frampton said. “These inspections will allow boaters to interact with our officers to make sure they have all documentation and safety equipment before launching their boats.”

One of those locations is Lighthouse Marina on Lake Murray. For a full list of locations, check out the website.