South Carolina residents who are charged with felony DUI resulting in death likely never imagined they would be in the position they are in now. That is almost certainly the case for a 24-year-old who is accused of felony DUI after his vehicle apparently struck and killed another 24-year-old who was crossing the street.

The pedestrian died at the scene of the accident, which occurred at about 4 a.m. in Columbia's Little Five Points. Complicating the situation, the accused 24-year-old had only recently been convicted of driving under the influence. His sentencing for that conviction included a fine and the suspension of his driver's license. That suspension was still in effect at the time of the fatal accident.

Throughout the country, states are passing anti-DUI laws that require people to install ignition interlock devices in their cars after being convicted of drunk driving. Currently, South Carolina already has such laws in place, but they only affect individuals who have been convicted of DUI two times or more. That could change, however, if lawmakers in Columbia pass two bills that would also require interlock devices for first-time offenders.

The interlock machines function much like a Breathalyzer test. Once a person has the device installed, it will test the driver's breath for alcohol every time he or she tries to drive. While the legal blood-alcohol limit for driving is 0.08 percent, an ignition interlock device will prevent a car from starting if the driver blows a 0.02 percent or higher.

Students at USC's Columbia campus have their own early police warning system in their pockets. A new Twitter feed called DrinkingTicket provides the times and locations of DUI checkpoints, identifies undercover cops, and warnings of speed traps to nearly 9,000 Twitter followers.

The idea for the account was developed and founded by a USC student after he received a ticket for possessing alcohol as a minor. He was worried about having a criminal record, losing his scholarship and jeopardizing his college career and future. He now helps his fellow students avoid drunk driving charges by monitoring his twitter account. The account is secure and followers must be approved.

Police in Calhoun County recently arrested a St. Matthews man on suspicion of driving under the influence. The incident report offers a list of details that, if not completely analyzed with a view toward protecting the suspect's rights, could result in serious penalties for the driver.

In addition to the DUI charge, the man is also facing allegations of simple possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, possession of crack cocaine and speeding.