According to a recent news report, DUI arrests are way up in South Carolina and highway fatalities are way down so far this year. Some believe the drop in highway deaths is the direct result of the latest reforms to South Carolina's DUI laws. In addition, "others point to increased DUI arrests as well as increase in seat-belt use by South Carolina drivers as the cause of reduced deaths in the state."

DUI arrests by state troopers are up by almost 20 percent since a new state law went into effect on February 2009. DUI arrests in the state have increased by more than 4,000, or 32 percent, since 2008, according to public safety records. As for road fatalities, there had been 89 fewer crashes and 99 fewer people killed in car accidents year to date compared with the same period last year.

The new DUI law was aimed at providing stiffer sentences for repeat offenders and those with high blood-alcohol levels. The law requires those individuals, even those who are able to avoid jail time on their first offense, to serve jail time for a second DUI conviction and every one thereafter. They are also required to seek treatment for alcohol dependency. Additionally, the new law increases suspension periods from 90 days to 180 days to six to 15 months, depending on how many previous offenses someone has.

Some believe the increased media attention and more DUI arrests that are publicized are deterring drivers from driving under the influence.

Source: WLTX "DUI Arrests Up in South Carolina: Some say it's a Fundraising Tool" 08/29/2010