Drunk driving charges are serious in South Carolina, as they are elsewhere. Those who are convicted of drunk driving may face harsh penalties, but cab companies in the Myrtle Beach area are doing what they can to prevent drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel of a car.

Earlier this month, Diamond Cab, Better Brands Inc. and the Yahnis Company began offering free rides home to people in Myrtle Beach who turn their keys over to a bartender or friend. The free service will continue through Jan. 1, and run at various times throughout the year.

A manager with Diamond Cab knows the pain drunk driving can cause. His dad died when he was just 13 years old after driving drunk. He says people need to be safe.

People who drive drunk may not only get in trouble with the law, but also risk injuring themselves and others. A service like this lets people have a good time, and get home safe.

A drunk driving charge can cause people significant distress. In addition to fines, loss of driver's license and increased insurance rates, people can face time behind bars.

Those in South Carolina who have been charged with DUI should consider working with an experienced attorney. An attorney can work to protect an individual's rights, while putting forth a robust and aggressive defense. In some cases, an experienced attorney may even be able to have the drunk driving charges dropped completely.

Facing a drunk driving charge alone can be frightening and confusing, but there are places to turn for help.

Source: WMBF, "Cab company offers free rides home for impaired drivers," Mark Meredith, Dec. 15, 2011