‘Sober or Slammer’ campaign begins at Morrison Drive memorial site

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Law enforcement agencies, local officials, and the victims’ family members met for the “Sober or Slammer” kickoff at the sight of a tragic double hit-and-run.

The ninth annual event highlighted the efforts of several police departments, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and the City of Charleston. It also honored the memory of Arianna Gamber and Lizzy Zito, two women who were killed in a hit-and-run near Morrison Drive this past April.

“Sober or slammer. I hope those words resonate with people, don’t drive drunk, don’t drive impaired or go to jail. Really simple,” Nicole Gamber, Arianna’s mom, said. “I hope they drive past this area and see the memorial of my daughter’s and Lizzy’s faces and think twice about driving drunk.”

Gamber said she was grateful that the event was held near the memorial site, as it brings more awareness to the dangers of drunk driving.

Officials emphasized the consequences of impaired driving as the holiday season approaches.

“We see regular good people making one poor decision and that poor decision costing them their life or someone else’s,” Cpl. Nick Pye of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, said. “I’m here to tell you our belief is that anyone in their right minds’ belief should be a family should never have to go through something this family behind me is going through.”

According to William Cogswell, mayor of the city of Charleston, drunk driving is the leading cause of traffic fatalities in the city. However, since Gamber and Zito’s deaths, he launched an initiative to bring those numbers down.

“Our officers, I’m glad to say, have been able to make real impact. The results have been monumental,” Cogswell said “This year Charleston has seen just 11 traffic fatalities. The lowest number we’ve had in five years.”

The parents of the two women said these holidays have been the hardest yet. Gamber continues to work on a petition as the parents are seeking justice for their daughters.

“We miss her and it isn’t fair that the men that killed her are getting to enjoy Thanksgiving and enjoy Christmas holidays, and get to be with their families as they go into a new year,” Gamber said. “That’s just unfair.”