My oldest son was hit and killed by a drunk driver at the young age of 17. This tragic event has left our family shattered, and every waking moment is filled with the glaring absence of his presence. The pain of realizing that justice might never be served, simply because time has passed, is a burden no family should bear.

The statute of limitations on DUI offenses means that, after a certain period, perpetrators can escape the legal consequences of their actions. This limits the justice that grieving families can seek and denies accountability for those responsible for life-altering events. In the United States, the statute of limitations for DUIs varies by state, but is usually between 2 to 6 years. In the state of South Carolina the statute of limitations is 10 years.

Statistics reveal that approximately 28 people die every day in America due to drunk driving crashes, which equates to one person every 52 minutes (according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). This is more than just numbers; these are real people, real families, and real tragedies that affect communities nationwide. We need to stop protecting offenders with legal technicalities and start prioritizing victims and their loved ones.