Although the DUI rate of Georgia is steadily decreasing throughout the years, some college counties are still full of DUI convictions and Georgia Southern University is no stranger to this statistic.

According to the 2020 DUI report released from the Georgia Department of Driver Services, ‘Bulloch County had 170 drivers that were caught driving under the influence’. The state of Georgia has about a 36% conviction rate according to an article published in 2016 by WSB-TV.

“Most of the DUIs are kids our age who are stubborn like I was and so it is usually their violent offense.” 

Said a 2nd-year Georgia Southern student, with a pending DUI charge who would like to remain anonymous.

“When the court looks at their record and sees that it is their first conviction and they are under the age of 21, I think and hope the court would rather them learn their lesson than publish them.”

Comparing the Bulloch County rate of DUI convictions:

• it is almost 3 times higher than Clarke County where the University of Georgia is located, being 59 convictions in 2020.

• the DUI conviction rate is a little less than double Bulloch County’s convictions at 276 in Bibb County, where Mercer University is located.

“I think there might be a wealthier population in Athens [Clarke County] which could probably mean better lawyers.” 

Said an anonymous 1st-year student at Georgia Southern University with a pending DUI case.

“I think stereotypically the wealthy are quicker to fix their reputations more and are willing to use more resources than face the repercussions of their actions” 

Being that these are all counties where major universities are located, the report does not specify how many of the perpetrators were permanent residents of these places or students from out of town.

According to the Department of Education, 30% of students in college have a DUI conviction on their record.

“The rate of students with a DUI is expected and that is because kids just need to learn their lessons the hard way,” said the anonymous 1st-year student.

“I think that because we are in Statesboro and not in people’s hometown they think they can get away with more.” 

*students asked to remain anonymous for personal reasons