COLUMBIA, S.C. — A new DUI law, known as the "All Offender Law," will go into effect in South Carolina on Sunday, May 19.
The legislation mandates that all drivers convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) must participate in the Ignition Interlock Device Program, regardless of their blood alcohol content (BAC) percentage.
"It will apply to all convicted DUI offenders instead of just some of the first-time offenders, and that difference is huge when it comes to public safety and saving lives," said Steven Burritt, the regional executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
The law's passage is a significant victory for Karen and David Longstreet, who have advocated for stricter DUI regulations since their daughter, Emma, was killed by a drunk driver.
"I never got to see her finish first grade, I never saw her ride a bike without training wheels, I'll never be the mother of the bride, just never saw her go to prom, and I keep seeing her friends hit all these milestones that I'm never going to experience," Karen Longstreet said with tears in her eyes.
The Longstreet family was on their way to church with their four children when their vehicle was struck by a drunk driver. David Longstreet believes the new law will make a difference.
"I believe this law is going to help because it's going to keep people from ruining their lives, whether they are the perpetrator or victim," he said.
Governor Henry McMaster signed the legislation into law in May of this year as part of an effort by South Carolina lawmakers to reduce the number of DUI incidents in the state.
"We are the 35th state to pass an 'All Offender Ignition Interlock Law,' so there is plenty of research to tell us just how effective this would be. States have seen a 16% reduction on average in drunk driving deaths when they have a law this strong," Burritt said.
Data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety shows that in 2023, there were over 5,300 collisions involving alcohol or drugs, resulting in 367 fatalities and more than 3,300 injuries.
"A lot of the people that didn't have to have a tragedy behind us could have been prevented if they could have got this in sooner," David Longstreet explained, pointing to the victims' pictures hanging behind him.
Looking ahead, the Longstreets are focused on further measures to prevent DUIs. "I think the next step would be to require them to get the blood alcohol sample because that is a huge impact for this legislation to stick and also have part of the conviction that's required," David said.
Currently, there are 1,185 drivers participating in the Ignition Interlock Device Program. This number is expected to more than double next year due to the new law taking effect.
