FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2000
Contact: Sid Gaulden, 803-896-8755

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announced Friday that the Highway Patrol will take to the skies in its continuing effort to reduce the state’s rising fatality rate.

Boykin Rose, director of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, said the Patrol will be flying a four-seat, single-engine Cessna aircraft across the state in an airborne bid to stop collisions before they occur. The aircraft will be used in conjunction with OPERATION S.T.O.P., the Patrol’s enforcement initiative aimed at reducing traffic collisions on specific highways and roads, particularly in the Upstate.

"Following an intense review of how other state patrols use aircraft, we concluded that a similar approach was needed here," said Col. Ralph Mobley, commander of the Highway Patrol. "The plane will be used from Greenville to Charleston, Aiken to Myrtle Beach, on the lookout not only for speeders, but also for those drivers who put others at risk by driving recklessly or aggressively."

One of the primary needs for the aircraft is to combat the state’s rapidly increasing vehicle death rate. DPS’ Office of Highway Safety released the 1999 South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book, which details last year’s grim statistics on our highways. In 1999, 1,064 people died as a result of collisions on South Carolina’s roads and highways, which represents a 6.3 percent increase over 1998 when there were 1,001 fatalities.

"These numbers are unacceptable," Rose said, adding, "We have and will continue to increase the number of troopers on the roads, primarily because of Gov. Jim Hodges’ support. With the addition of the Patrol aircraft, their job should be somewhat safer."

The plane was used during the recent Memorial Bike Weekend in Horry County. On one occasion, a speeding motorcyclist eluded troopers on the road. The plane was able to spot the motorcycle and lead troopers on the ground to it. The plane also was used in conjunction with a public safety checkpoint and the pilot spotted a number of motorists turning around in an attempt to avoid the checkpoint. Additionally, the plane was used throughout the weekend to monitor traffic situations along the Grand Strand.

The single engine Cessna 182 will be used, weather permitting, to help with traffic control and enforcement in manmade or natural disaster situations, such as hurricanes. Lt. Garry Rozier, a 21-year veteran of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, will pilot the aircraft.

--30--

Back