Memorial Day weekend should be about relaxation, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying the unofficial start of summer. It shouldn’t end with court dates, jail time, or a permanent criminal record. Unfortunately, every year across South Carolina, there is a noticeable spike in DUI arrests during the holiday. From Columbia to Charleston and everywhere in between, law enforcement is on high alert.
The good news is that you can enjoy your weekend while staying safe and legal. Here are five simple, smart steps you can take to avoid getting a DUI this Memorial Day weekend.
1. Plan Ahead for Transportation
Don’t wait until the party is over to figure out how you’re getting home. Whether you plan to use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft, call a taxi, or have a designated driver in your group, make sure your transportation is arranged before you take your first drink. Too often, people overestimate their ability to drive after drinking or find themselves stuck without a good option at the end of the night. Having a plan in place ahead of time is the easiest way to avoid trouble.
2. Know That DUI Checkpoints Will Be Out in Force
Police agencies across South Carolina routinely increase DUI enforcement over Memorial Day weekend. That means more checkpoints and more patrols, especially in high-traffic areas like Columbia, Lexington, Charleston, and Beaufort. These checkpoints are legal and often advertised ahead of time, but they can pop up anywhere. Even minor traffic violations like a broken taillight or rolling through a stop sign can result in a traffic stop that quickly turns into a DUI investigation. If you’ve been drinking, it’s simply not worth the risk.
3. Understand What Counts as “Impairment”
Many people believe they can’t be charged with DUI if they’re under the legal limit of 0.08 percent blood alcohol content (BAC). That’s a dangerous misconception. In South Carolina, you can still be arrested for DUI if an officer believes your ability to drive is impaired, even slightly, by alcohol or any other substance. Slurred speech, unsteady movements, red eyes, or the odor of alcohol may all be enough to justify an arrest.
4. Keep an Eye on Medications and Substances
Alcohol isn’t the only factor that can lead to a DUI. Prescription medications like painkillers, anxiety meds, and sleep aids can impair your ability to drive. Mixing alcohol and medications significantly increases the likelihood of both a crash and a criminal charge. Always read warning labels and err on the side of caution.
5. When in Doubt, Don’t Drive
The safest bet? Don’t get behind the wheel after drinking at all. One mistake can lead to:
- Jail time
- License suspension
- A permanent criminal record
- Sky-high insurance premiums
Have fun this Memorial Day, but make smart choices. And if something goes wrong, contact Truslow and Truslow right away. We’ll fight for your rights and help you get back on track.