AAA Carolinas: Earn $100 Reward for Reporting Drunk Driving

In an effort to discourage drunk driving, AAA Carolinas' Foundation for Traffic Safety and the city of Columbia have partnered to launch a new program that rewards citizens who report drunk drivers.

The foundation and city officials launched the citywide Report a Drunk Driver (RADD) reward program Friday morning at Elmwood Cemetery.

Columbia residents are encouraged to call 911 and provide information about the suspected drunk driver, the person's vehicle and license plate. If the tip leads to a DUI conviction, the caller will receive a $100 reward. 

Jim Cantey, incoming chairman of AAA Carolinas’ Board of Directors, said the organization was wanted to create an "atmosphere that someone who has been drinking – no matter how impaired, will be afraid to drive because everyone is watching."

“South Carolina is one of the deadliest states in the country for drunk driving,” said Cantey, speaking at Elmwood Cemetery. “We hope that by offering an incentive to report drunk drivers, we can help save lives and not have anyone come here to mourn the death of a drunk driver." 

South Carolina ranks third highest in the nation for drunk driving deaths per vehicle mile traveled, according to AAA Carolinas. 

In 2011, Richland and Lexington counties, which each include a portion of Columbia, recorded 13 percent of the state’s drunk driving deaths, according to a release.