Sumter, South Carolina – The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office is urging fans to plan sober rides ahead of game-day travel to reduce impaired driving risks.
According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, deputies are reminding residents and visitors that alcohol-related crashes tend to increase during major sporting events, particularly on football weekends. The agency shared the message as part of a national traffic safety campaign encouraging fans to designate sober drivers before celebrations begin.
The campaign’s slogan, “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk,” emphasizes shared responsibility among friends, families, and tailgating groups. Officials say even small amounts of alcohol can impair reaction time and judgment, increasing the likelihood of serious crashes.
The reminder aligns with messaging from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which report that thousands of people are killed nationwide each year in crashes involving impaired drivers. Law enforcement agencies across South Carolina typically increase patrols and DUI enforcement during high-traffic weekends tied to sporting events.
While the sheriff’s office did not announce specific checkpoint locations, officials encouraged fans to arrange rides in advance, use rideshare services, or assign a designated driver before kickoff. Deputies also urged hosts of watch parties and tailgates to help ensure guests get home safely.
The message is particularly relevant for commuters, students, and young adults who may be traveling during peak evening hours when games and post-game celebrations end.
Officials stress that DUI arrests can carry long-term consequences, including license suspension, fines, and possible jail time, in addition to the risk of injury or death.
Residents are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by contacting local law enforcement.
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