Task Force Takes Action to Prevent DUI Crashes in Lexington County

Lexington, SC – The Community Action for a Safer Tomorrow (CAST) DUI Task Force is charged with reducing DUI crashes in Lexington County.  At the task force’s recent annual meeting, leaders presented a detailed needs assessment, which identified factors contributing to the problem of DUI crashes, and presented planned actions to address the identified problems.

Contributing factors include:

1. There is a high level of over service to intoxicated patrons at various establishments.
2. Drivers have a low perception of risk of being caught for DUI by law enforcement.
3. Drivers have a low perception of risk of being convicted for DUI even if an arrest is made.
4. Offenders are not identified as being in need of treatment for substance abuse disorders.

Now, this multi-agency task force is implementing evidence-based strategies to address the identified contributing factors.  Strategies include:

1. The task force is working proactively with establishments selling alcohol to curb over-serving.
2. The task force will provide resources for increased enforcement and utilize media to make drivers aware of ongoing enforcement.
3. Key agencies involved in convicting DUI offenders will participate in trainings to increase their ability to better detect and convict offenders.
4. A committee will work with courts to increase referrals of DUI offenders with substance abuse disorders to treatment services.

Caroline Humphries, coordinator of the task force stated, “The population of Lexington County is increasing rapidly and we are seeing an increase in DUI crashes.  It is imperative that this task force and all of our community members take measures to curb impaired driving.”  The CAST DUI Task Force is a coalition organized under LRADAC and funded by a grant provided by the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services.  To learn more about the needs assessment or the task force’s strategic plan, contact Allison Atkins at 726-9475.