AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – Aiken County convicts drunk drivers at a lower rate than the rest of South Carolina, according to data from the South Carolina Commission on Prosecution Coordination.
The county’s DUI conviction rate stands at about 52%, compared to the statewide average of 62%. The nearly 10-point gap means fewer people arrested for drunk driving in Aiken County face conviction.
Dismissal rates vary across the state
Nearly one in five DUI charges in Aiken County were dismissed before trial last fiscal year, representing about 19% of cases. That figure is lower than the statewide average, where 28.5% of all DUI cases were dismissed.
South Carolina drivers will face fines starting March 1 for using handheld devices while driving.
The data comes as law enforcement agencies across the CSRA prepare for Super Bowl Sunday, typically one of the most dangerous nights on the road for drunk driving incidents.
Advocacy groups push for reform
Mothers Against Drunk Driving has been advocating for changes to state law. The organization recently rallied at the Statehouse, with members bringing photos of loved ones killed by drunk drivers…