Federal, local officials want to curb drunk driving this holiday season

With the holiday season quickly approaching, police are stepping up their efforts to fight drunk driving.

Monday, a high-ranking federal official announced a controversial new idea to crackdown on D-U-I loopholes.

It's being called a "No Refusal Strategy".

Federal Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is advising police officers to use a search warrant to quickly obtain blood tests from drivers who have refused a breathalyzer.

"This is not the time to rest on our laurels; the No Refusal Program represents an important weapon in the fight against drunk drivers," Secretary LaHood said.

The law supports the strategy in some 30 states, but most of them are not currently using the warrant initiative, officials said.

LaHood blames defense attorneys who counsel repeat offenders to avoid providing scientific evidence -- the results of a breath test -- that could help convict them when a drunken driving case comes to trial.

Charleston based defense attorney Mark. Peper says the policy brings up a flurry of legal and personal rights issues.

"You've got chain of custody issues, you've got training issues, this is a very scientific issue here, taking a blood sample, being able to dilute it, and read it...those are done by registered nurses and doctors." He said.

Peper says there are several mandates already in place to get drunk drivers off the streets - including a mandatory six month suspensions for drivers who refuse to be tested.

But those impacted by drunk drivers say the new idea could help.

Those impacted include People like Lisa Radvanski, a Columbia mother, who lost her son to drunken driving seven years ago.

"He went off the side of the road, over corrected - the car flipped and he was ejected," she said.

Radvanski now travels the state recounting the tragic circumstances of her son's death and urges everyone to think twice before getting behind the wheel.

When asked if law enforcement could do more to prevent drunk driving accidents and fatalities Radvanski said" I think they can. I think if you make a choice to break the law then you need to be willing to pay the consequences, you've got to be accountable for your actions."

Several states are currently testing the program with positive results.

DUI crackdowns begin in the low country and across the state this weekend.

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