Read more: Local, Dui, Checkpoint, Debate, American, Beverage, Institute, Police, Drunk, Drivers
Drunk drivers claim thousands of lives every year in the United States.
Lawmakers and law enforcement agencies nationwide constantly look for ways to reduce the number of people who drink and get behind the wheel, including the new, stricter DUI laws in South Carolina and basic sobriety checkpoints. But a national organization is questioning the effectiveness of checkpoints.
The American Beverage Institute (ABI) and police disagree on the the effectiveness of checkpoints. The ABI is urging law enforcement to do away with checkpoints, saying they're ineffective and target the wrong people.
ABI is pushing for a focus on roving patrols - police who patrol and locate DUI offenders.
"We still have our roving patrols. We have uniformed patrols out there answering calls. We still have our community outreach team out there," said Sergeant Robert Kegler with the Horry County Police Department.
That's in addition to checkpoints, which Kegler stressed do work.
Pat Rogers admits, he's living proof. "I was at a party a couple nights ago and heard there was checkpoints, and we got a cab home. Actually, the whole party didn't drink and drive. Even if there weren't any checkpoints, just the thought of it," said Rogers.
Drivers NewsChannel 15 spoke with say any method that even has a chance of working should be tried.
"I think that police force should do anything they can to get DUI's off the roads," said Yvette Jordan of Horry County.
Roy Harrelson agreed. "You never know when you're going to be caught, so you're going to be on guard and take it seriously," said Harrelson.
Harrelson says there's even more that could be done.
"Random checkpoints at bars even - before you get in the car. That's not a bad idea. Just go by and stand at the door," said Harrelson.
Because all it takes is to find one person drinking and driving, and a life will possibly be saved.
"If that would save someone's life, I think it's a wise thing to do," said Jordan.
