COLUMBIA, S.C. DUI – In South Carolina, families grieving the loss of loved ones due to drunk driving have joined forces with Attorney General Alan Wilson to call for stronger laws against drunk driving.

South Carolina has some of the deadliest roads in the United States and ranks third in the country for drunk driving-related deaths. To fight this problem, advocates for stricter DUI laws are pushing for tougher penalties and changes to the law that were introduced last year.

Attorney General Wilson is backing Senate Bill 52, which aims to introduce stricter penalties for drunk drivers and improve how DUI cases are handled in court.

Heartbreaking Stories of Drunk Driving Victims

Among the supporters of the proposed bill is Jachaei Cummings, a survivor of a drunk driving accident. Cummings shared his personal story, explaining how a drunk driver caused the death of his best friend and changed his life forever.

Cummings and his best friend had been playing semi-professional basketball. After a tournament, they were hit by a drunk driver. While Cummings survived the crash, he had to undergo 28 surgeries, including one to reconnect his head to his spinal cord. Tragically, his best friend lost his life.

Cummings’ story is just one of many that show the devastating impact of drunk driving. Families like his are pushing for change, hoping that stronger laws will save lives and prevent others from experiencing the same pain.

What Does Senate Bill 52 Propose?

Senate Bill 52 is focused on making it easier for law enforcement to prosecute DUI cases. Currently, one of the challenges in prosecuting drunk drivers is the need for dash cam video to secure a conviction. The new bill would remove this requirement, making it easier for law enforcement and prosecutors to handle DUI cases without worrying about a lack of evidence.

Attorney General Wilson emphasized that the current system feels like a “minefield” for law enforcement and prosecutors, and this bill aims to fix that.

The bill also builds on last year’s DUI law changes, which required drivers convicted of DUI to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles. This device forces drivers to take a breathalyzer test before starting their car. Senate Bill 52 would make this requirement even stricter by adding new rules for those who refuse to take chemical tests during a DUI stop.

Stronger Penalties for Refusing Chemical Tests

One of the key changes in the new bill is the introduction of stronger penalties for drivers who refuse to take a chemical test when stopped for suspected DUI. Under the proposed law, if a driver refuses to take the test, their driver’s license would be suspended for one year for a first offense. If they re-offend, the suspension period would increase.

This change aims to encourage people to cooperate with law enforcement, ensuring that they can be properly tested for alcohol or drugs if suspected of driving under the influence.

Bentley’s Law: Supporting Children of Victims

The proposed law also includes a provision called Bentley’s Law. This part of the bill would require individuals convicted of felony DUI to pay child support if their actions result in the death or disability of a parent. This provision aims to support children who lose a parent to drunk driving and help them financially if their parent is unable to care for them.

Support for the New Law

Moms Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) has been a strong supporter of the new DUI bill. Along with Attorney General Wilson, M.A.D.D. members gathered at the State House to urge lawmakers to approve Senate Bill 52. Their goal is to make South Carolina’s roads safer and prevent future tragedies caused by drunk driving.

With the backing of families like Cummings’ and advocacy groups such as M.A.D.D., the push for stronger DUI laws is gaining momentum. However, it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will support the bill and take action to improve South Carolina’s DUI laws.