South Carolina prohibits all people from being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while behind the wheel of a vehicle on public roads. This applies regardless of a person’s age. However, current trends have indicated that members of Generation Z are experiencing arrests and prosecutions for drunk driving and other moving violations at a rate above that of other demographics.
Members of Generation Z and their parents need to know the state’s DUI laws and how they can impact their present and future. The simple fact is that a mere arrest for supposed DUI can have a profound negative effect on a person’s life. The team at Truslow & Truslow, PA is ready to explain South Carolina’s drunk driving laws and fights to protect members of Generation Z against the harsh penalties that accompany convictions.
Statistics Show that Members of Generation Z are Involved in a High Rate of Traffic Incidents
Traffic accidents and arrests are common across people of all ages. However, studies have shown that members of Generation Z (ages 18 through 26) have a higher rate of incidents.
According to a report from Lending Tree, cited in a CBS News article, Generation Z’s drivers have an incident rate of 49.07 per 1,000 drivers. These incidents include speeding tickets, collisions involving others, and drunk driving arrests.
Why is this rate so high? Members of Generation Z are inexperienced drivers who may not be familiar with their vehicles or the area’s roads. They may also feel the sense of invincibility that often accompanies youth. Finally, they may not realize the impact that alcohol can have on their ability to properly control a vehicle or think that law enforcement will not be able to catch them. These factors combine to make Generation Z the demographic with the highest rate of on-the-road incidents in the country.
Generation Z and DUI Cases
Among the incidents that the report cites is DUI cases. South Carolina’s DUI statute, present at South Carolina Code § 56-5-2930, says that no person may operate a vehicle on a public road while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This applies regardless of a person’s age. Convictions here can result in jail sentences, the payment of stiff fines, and the loss of driving privileges.
Members of Generation Z may also face prosecution under a separate area of the law. Because some members of Gen Z may be under the age of 21, South Carolina’s Zero Tolerance law may also apply. The Zero Tolerance law says that it is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to consume any amount of an alcoholic beverage and then get behind the wheel of a vehicle. A conviction under this law will result in a loss of license for at least three months. Many police officers use this Zero Tolerance law to justify an arrest of an under-21 driver if they cannot pursue a common DUI case. As a result, members of Generation Z need to be aware of the state’s laws and how they impact people of their age.
Members of Generation Z Should Contact Truslow & Truslow PA Now to Learn More About DUI Cases that Impact Younger Drivers
Studies have shown that members of Generation Z have a higher traffic incident rate than other people in South Carolina. This includes the rate at which they are facing arrest under the state’s DUI statute and Zero Tolerance laws. It would benefit younger drivers to be aware of these laws and how they may impact their right to drive and freedom.
The team at Truslow & Truslow PA is ready to provide more information about the problems that members of Generation Z face on the road. They are also here to help defend Generation Z against accusations of illegal activity. Contact us now to get started.