Here’s how many DUI arrests there were in Beaufort Co. on New Year’s Eve, Day 2020
On a night known for drinking, Beaufort County was relatively calm on New Year’s Eve, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
Four people were arrested for driving under the influence on Dec. 31, 2019 and Jan. 1, 2020, as listed in the Beaufort County Detention Center inmate log.
That’s one less DUI than New Year’s Eve 2019, and down from 16 alcohol-related arrests in 2018.
Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Capt. Bob Bromage said the decline in DUI arrests may be because of the popularity of ride-sharing apps such as Uber that stop people from drinking and then getting behind the wheel.
In the Town of Yemassee, the police department was offering free rides on New Year’s Eve, according to public information officer Matt Garnes.
“Instead of getting behind the wheel, please contact our Dispatch and a police officer will come out and ensure that you get home safely,” he wrote in a news release.
DUI charges from New Year’s Eve 2020
According to the inmate log, the South Carolina Highway Patrol made all four arrests, all of which were on New Year’s Day.
A Hilton Head man was arrested at 2:39 a.m., another Hilton Head man was arrested at 3:48 a.m., a Bluffton woman was arrested at 4:51 a.m., and a Beaufort man was arrested at 5:49 a.m.
For confidential support regarding alcohol addiction, call the free, 24-hour substance abuse hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
This story was originally published January 1, 2020 at 4:53 PM.
