Agencies ready to launch drunken-driving campaign

Officers representing more than a dozen Upstate law enforcement agencies met Wednesday, preparing for a campaign against drunken driving.

The statewide push begins Friday and will continue through the Labor Day weekend.

One of two Breath Alcohol Testing mobile units in the state will be used in the Upstate.

Phil Riley, assistant director of the Office of Highway Safety, said "Sober or Slammer" combats impaired driving through high visibility enforcement and public awareness.

It coincides with a national campaign, "You Drink & Drive, You Lose."

Riley also played television and radio ads that will be aired in English and Spanish.

"These efforts should result in a reduction of alcohol-related fatalities, injuries and collisions," he said. He said the issue of driving while impaired is a concern he shares.

"It's near to my heart. In my campaign, I promised to fight this, and we are," he said.

Last year, Sheriff's Deputies made 62 driving-under-wthe influence arrests. "This year, we have made 135 so far," he said. "That's a 217 increase percent in DUI arrests. I'm proud of our team."

Wright called on parents to sit down with their young drivers in the family and explain that drinking and driving is not just morally wrong but a crime. "And it's not victimless," he said.

James K. Schweitzer, director of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, said the campaign is not new.

"Several times a year, we turn to the public and ask for support. But the precedent here is the level of cooperation we are receiving from this number of law enforcement agencies represented," he said.

Col. Russell Roark with the Highway Patrol said since Memorial Day, 177 citizens have been killed in DUI-related accidents in the state.

"Who are these people? They are family, friends, teachers, students -- from all walks of life," he said.

He asked the public to question what can be done to prevent the state from continuing to be a leader in DUI deaths. "Listen closely. Put what you hear into practice. It can very well save your life," he said.

Suzi Thomas with Mothers Against Drunk Driving spoke about the impact of losing a loved one. Her 14-year-old son Gregory died in 2001 after he was struck by a driver who was subsequently convicted of reckless homicide. The teenager was walking with his mother and brother when the accident occurred.

Pointing to a photo of her son that she wears on her lapel, Thomas said it was her family's right to walk in their neighborhood.

"I have people who tell me -- to my face -- that it's their right to drink. But it's no one's right to drink and drive. I invite anyone who thinks so to come with me to the cemetery any day and talk with my son," Thomas said.

Janet Spencer can be reached at 562-7222 or janet.spencer@shj.com.