Berkeley County, SC – With the holiday season underway, Berkeley County officials are warning drivers about the deadly consequences of impaired driving, citing a growing number of DUI-related deaths across the county and South Carolina.
According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, 27 deaths in Berkeley County have already been directly linked to impaired driving this year, and officials fear that number could rise as holiday travel increases.
South Carolina currently leads the nation in impaired driving deaths. In response, Berkeley County has dedicated a full-time DUI prosecutor to handle cases arising from arrests made by sheriff’s deputies.
“It’s definitely eye-opening that this is something that’s still happening,” said Camille Weal-Thomas, Berkeley County’s DUI prosecutor. “It reassures me that this role is needed. It’s important to protect innocent lives.”
Weal-Thomas began the position in February of last year, funded through a grant aimed at improving public safety. Since then, she has prosecuted more than 150 DUI cases, noting a sharp upward trend in the past two months alone.
Penalties for DUI offenses can be severe. A first-time DUI conviction carries a minimum fine of $1,000, not including court costs, along with mandatory alcohol and drug education courses, license suspension, and possible jail time depending on the circumstances.
Data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety shows 428 alcohol-related driving fatalities in 2024, up from 406 in 2023 and 384 in 2022, reflecting a steady upward trend statewide.
Berkeley County Coroner Darnell Hartwell said families often face lifelong trauma after impaired driving crashes.
“If you get behind the wheel and injure or kill someone, that stays with you forever,” Hartwell said. “You impact not just one life, but entire families.”
Law enforcement officials urge residents to plan ahead by arranging sober rides, using rideshare services, and buckling up. Drivers are also encouraged to contact community resources such as WakeUp Carolina and the Ernest E. Kennedy Center for addiction support.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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