At least 47 people were arrested for DUI and related offenses in Florence County during Operation Sober or Slammer, which ran statewide from December 16 through January 2.
"The costs of DUI are tremendous. In the best case, where no one is killed or injured, it is estimated that a DUI arrest will cost the first offender between $7500 and $10,000. Add to that the embarrassment to the family, loss of driving privileges, possible loss of a job, increased fines and possible jail time, and the cost is just not worth it. It is less expensive to make the decision to just not drink and drive, designate a driver or call a cab," Sheriff Kenney Boone said in a news release.
The Florence County Sheriff's Office says there were no alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in Marion or Florence counties over the Christmas holiday season.
"This tremendous result is due in large part to the combined efforts of law enforcement in the Twelfth Circuit during Operation Sober or Slammer," Sheriff Boone said. "The conspicuous enforcement and number of DUI related arrests is clearly a positive deterrent to drinking and driving, not only during the Holiday Season, but all year long. The public is also responding to our message that DUI is a senseless and avoidable crime that destroys lives and wrecks families."
Preliminary statistics from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety show there were 20 deadly wrecks in Florence County in 2011, down from 30 in 2010. In Marion County, there were three deadly crashes, down from 14 in 2010.
