According to statistics, one person dies from an accident related to DUI every two weeks in Greenville, SC. It may not seem like much. However, if you look at the annual figures, it means that on average, 26 people die annually. That death rate is only due to DUI related accidents. More accidents are happening in the state every year.
These statistics have made South Carolina roads some of the most dangerous to drive on in the country. DUI alone is the cause of up to one-third of all the accidents in SC. This is a lot higher than the national average.
Since 2011, at least 300 people have died in drunken driving-related accidents in the state of South Carolina. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there have been fewer arrests of DUI drivers since the ‘90s. As a result, it is possible to attribute the high number of fatalities to understaffed highways.
While DUI is illegal, a lawyer can help you get out of trouble if police arrest you. An experienced Greenville, SC attorney can find the best defense for you so that your penalty is minimal.
Why South Carolina DUI Death Rates Are Very High and Why You Need a DUI Attorney in Greenville, SC
There are many reasons why the death rate in SC are very high. The first one is the inadequate number of police officers. Very few officers are on the highways compared to the number of roads and vehicles.
There are currently a little over 800 troopers available. This number is much less than what is required considering that the population is increasing every day. Due to these declining numbers of police officers, drivers are free to drink and drive as they please. They know that they won’t be arrested.
Another major issue is that even when the police arrest DUI Greenville, SC drivers, there is a low conviction rate. There is a long process from the time the officer identifies a drunk driver to the moment he gets convicted. The officer needs to have a valid reason for stopping the driver. Otherwise, the driver has a right to refuse to engage him. After that, the officer needs to determine when it is appropriate to perform the field sobriety tests.
The tests are also optional. If the driver refuses to take them, the officer can only file for suspension of the driver’s license and arrest him. Many first offenders get to walk free while second-time offenders do not get adequate penalties.
A lot needs to be done to reduce the death rate from DUI in Greenville, SC. The law needs to be reviewed. The authorities also need to put more efforts towards recruiting and training more troopers. However, as a driver, it is also your responsibility to ensure that you follow the law.
Avoid driving after having drinks. This reduces the likelihood that you will get involved in accidents which may lead to your death. If you do get arrested for DUI, you can hire the best attorney to assist you. This, however, should not be a trend as you may end up getting into a terrible or even fatal crash.
Why You Need a DUI Lawyer in Greenville after Being Arrested
An attorney is an essential asset if you find yourself in trouble with the law. If an officer arrests you for drunk driving, an experienced attorney is invaluable for the following reasons:
They Offer Guidance on What to Say
Many people in Greenville, SC make the mistake of saying too much. This often hurts their case. Under the advice of an attorney, you will know exactly how much information you can divulge. That ensures the police don’t have anything to use against you.
They Help with Securing Bail
For the first offense, securing bail is relatively simple through a lawyer. He will confirm the amount that you are required to pay. If you are unable to pay it, he can help you acquire the amount. In this way, you can prepare for court away from the cell.
They Will Mount an Excellent Defense
No matter how guilty you may seem, an experienced attorney can help you. They can help to ensure your penalty is not as severe. Skilled attorneys will formulate a perfect defense that should yield the desired outcome.
Talk to Lawyer for Assistance with Your Case
Everyone makes mistakes, and if you made the mistake of drunk driving, you should at least get another chance. That is what we guarantee you at The Bateman Law Firm. We have excellent Greenville DUI attorneys that is ready to work with you. You will get your second chance with the least possible penalty.