Drunk driving enforcement across South Carolina is under renewed scrutiny as a new study reveals counties where DUI arrest rates far exceed the state average. The findings expose stark disparities in impaired driving prevalence and enforcement intensity, highlighting specific regions where limited transportation alternatives, uneven enforcement capacity, and entrenched risky driving behaviors combine to create heightened danger on local roads.
The research by personal injury law firm CR Legal Team analyzed data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting system on DUI arrests across South Carolina counties from 2020 to 2024. The average annual number of DUI arrests per 100,000 residents was calculated to identify the counties where drunk driving is most prevalent.
Newberry leads the state with an annual average of 174.8 DUI arrests per 100,000 residents, which is 552% higher than the statewide average of 26.8 DUI arrests per 100,000 residents. Between 2020 and 2024, the county reported a population of 38,435 and an average of 67 DUI arrests, with arrests peaking in 2023 at 109 and lowest in 2020 at 30.
Beaufort ranks second with an annual average of 107.6 DUI arrests per 100,000 residents, which is 302% higher than the statewide average of 26.8 DUI arrests per 100,000 residents. Between 2020 and 2024, the county recorded a population of 195,289 and an average of 210 DUI arrests, with arrests peaking in 2024 at 269 and lowest in 2022 at 172.
Greenville ranks third with an annual average of 86.5 DUI arrests per 100,000 residents, which is 223% higher than the statewide average of 26.8 DUI arrests per 100,000 residents. Between 2020 and 2024, the county reported a population of 548,166 and an average of 474 DUI arrests, with arrests peaking in 2024 at 607 and lowest in 2020 at 250.
McCormick ranks fourth with an annual average of 86.1 DUI arrests per 100,000 residents, which is 221% higher than the statewide average of 26.8 DUI arrests per 100,000 residents. Between 2020 and 2024, the county reported a population of 9,760 and an average of 8 DUI arrests, with arrests peaking in 2022 at 24 and lowest in 2021 at 2.
Kershaw ranks fifth with an annual average of 78.5 DUI arrests per 100,000 residents, which is 193% higher than the statewide average of 26.8 DUI arrests per 100,000 residents. Between 2020 and 2024, the county recorded a population of 68,314 and an average of 54 DUI arrests, with arrests peaking in 2020 at 74 and lowest in 2023 at 38.
Looking at the study, a spokesperson at CR Legal Team commented:
“The data underscores a critical and uneven public safety crisis across South Carolina, where DUI arrest rates vary by more than 600% between counties, revealing fundamental disparities in enforcement capacity, community resources, and transportation infrastructure. High-density counties like Greenville demonstrate the immense strain impaired driving places on law enforcement and judicial systems, with over 600 arrests in 2024 alone requiring significant prosecutorial resources, while smaller rural counties such as Newberry and McCormick show disproportionately high per-capita rates that often reflect limited alternative transportation options, geographic isolation, and cultural factors that normalize drinking and driving.”
Table for Extended Results:
| Top 10 South Carolina Counties With the Highest DUI Arrest Rates | ||
| South Carolina County | Average DUI Arrests per 100,000 Residents | Rank |
| Newberry | 174.8 | 1 |
| Beaufort | 107.6 | 2 |
| Greenville | 86.5 | 3 |
| McCormick | 86.1 | 4 |
| Kershaw | 78.5 | 5 |
| Saluda | 65.9 | 6 |
| Georgetown | 57.4 | 7 |
| York | 47.7 | 8 |
| Oconee | 43.0 | 9 |
| Lancaster | 39.2 | 10 |
What South Carolina Residents Need to Know About DUI Laws and Victim Rights
Understanding your legal rights and responsibilities is essential in a state with significant DUI enforcement variations:
- Understand your rights as a victim to pursue civil compensation beyond criminal penalties, including recovery for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress caused by drunk drivers.
- Collect comprehensive evidence immediately after a crash, including police reports, photographs of damage and injuries, witness statements, and all medical records to support both criminal and civil cases.
- File injury claims within three years of the DUI-related crash, as South Carolina’s statute of limitations typically bars compensation claims after this deadline regardless of injury severity.
- Recognize when specialized legal help is needed for catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury or permanent disability, which require expert representation to secure adequate lifetime compensation.
- Access 24/7 victim support resources through the SC Victim Assistance Network at 1-800-220-5370 or local MADD chapters for crisis support, advocacy, and navigation of the legal system.
Methodology
The study was conducted by CR Legal Team, a law firm dedicated to standing up for the rights of accident and injury victims. By offering Whole-Person Legal Care™, the firm has helped thousands across the community pursue justice and move forward. A national law firm advocating for injury victims across the United States.
The study analyzed data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting system on DUI arrests across South Carolina counties from 2020 to 2024. The average annual number of DUI arrests per 100,000 residents was calculated to identify the counties where drunk driving is most prevalent.
Data Sources
- Arrest Data → https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/arrest
- Research Data Set → https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1t_iyXiNmCASRhmT_-ss9DfXS6Gk8w6vJ8fp9CKebG1s/edit?gid=1784018345#gid=1784018345
