South Carolina Judge Facing Charges After Drunk Driving Crash

ORANGEBURG, SC- Usnews.com writes that a judge crashed his vehicle into a truck head-on on US Highway 301. Now the judge is facing charges for his second DUI offense. The 70-year-old magistrate from Eutawville was charged for driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .10 or less. Late last month, the motorist was traveling northbound when he veered off the roadway and struck a culvert before colliding with another vehicle.*

Two people in the other car were injured in the crash, as was the judge. The judge also caused another collision on Interstate 26. In that crash, the magistrate veered off the roadway and collided with a median before drifting across the interstate and striking a car on its side. The judge is now facing charges and a civil lawsuit for damages caused in the crashes. According to county records, the judge was appointed in 1985. 

Drunk driving rates have dropped significantly in recent decades, but still, cause a high percent of deadly crashes. More than 10,000 people die in drunk driving wrecks each year. Every state has a legal limit for blood alcohol concentrations of .08 percent. However, drivers may be impacted by even lower levels of alcohol. Even a driver who has a BAC under .08 could face DUI charges if they are believed to have been impaired. At .08 percent, impairment will be legally presumed. 

There are many ways to avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking. In addition to planning for a designated driver or public transportation, rideshare services are now available in most locations. Some studies indicate that these services are helping to reduce drunk driving rates as they present a convenient alternative to driving. 

Accident News is a safety and education initiative from Montlick & Associates, designed to help people better understand and thereby avoid common accident causes.  To learn more about our injury prevention programs, including iridesafe.com - click here. We hope you are never in an accident, but if you or family member are injured, call Montlick & Associates 24/7 for your free consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333) or use our live chat at Montlick.com.

Sources:https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/south-carolina/articles/2020-02-06/judge-charged-with-second-dui-offense-after-crash-injuries-3 and https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving