SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. – The wrong-way driver in a deadly six-vehicle crash on Interstate 85 was driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, according to Spartanburg County Coroner Rusty Clevenger.
Clevenger says Josh Leroy Smith, 60, had a blood alcohol level that was nearly three times the legal limit when he caused a collision that killed four people and injured six others last month.
The wreck happened in the northbound lanes I-85 near Exit 68 in Wellford around 11 p.m. on Feb. 11.
: 2 SC moms among 4 dead in wrong-way interstate crash
Drunk driving is a problem on South Carolina roads. Mothers Against Drunk Driving volunteer Terry Thomas says two out of three people will be impacted during their lifetime by someone who drove under the influence.
Thomas’ son was hit by a drunk driver in 2000. He survived the accident, but Thomas says his family will never forget what happened.
“It shows no preference,” says Thomas. “Drunk driving crashes affect everyone.”
Thomas says the state is making some improvements. Back in October, lawmakers passed Emma’s Law which requires an ignition interlock device be hooked up to a car’s ignition for all first-offense drunken drivers who have a blood alcohol content of .15 or above.
The legal blood alcohol level in South Carolina is .08.
