South Carolina Troopers Mark Summer Driving Season With Pointed DUI Warning
July 4, 2026
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the South Carolina Department of Public Safety are using humor to deliver a serious message as the state moves through what safety officials call the 100 deadliest days of summer.
In a recent social media post, the agencies offered what they jokingly billed as a premium rideshare service, a trip to the local jail in a patrol cruiser, priced at a “cool $10,000” once fines, attorney fees, insurance increases and lost wages are factored in. The tongue-in-cheek advertisement noted that impaired drivers would have the right to remain silent and enjoy the ride to an overnight stay behind bars. The post closed with the hashtags #SoberOrSlammer and #HighwaysOrDieways.
Behind the humor lies a warning that troopers repeat every year. The 100 deadliest days of summer, the stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day, historically brings a spike in traffic fatalities on roadways across the country. More drivers on the road, longer daylight hours, holiday travel and increased alcohol consumption combine to make the season one of the most dangerous times of the year to be behind the wheel.
Law enforcement officials stress that the consequences of driving under the influence reach far beyond a single night in jail. A DUI conviction can carry steep financial penalties, license suspension and long-term insurance costs, and impaired driving crashes claim lives that cannot be replaced.
The agencies encouraged motorists to plan ahead rather than take the risk. Drivers who intend to drink should designate a sober driver or arrange for a rideshare service before heading out.
As summer travel continues, troopers say the message is simple. Sober driving saves lives, protects wallets and keeps families whole through the busiest and most hazardous weeks on South Carolina roads.
