FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2001
CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

EXTRA ENFORCEMENT SURROUNDING ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY A SUCCESS; NO FATALITIES OR SERIOUS INJURIES REPORTED IN AREA

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces that there were no fatalities or serious injuries from traffic collisions in the Jasper and Beaufort county areas over the weekend. Extra troopers were brought in from around the state to tighten enforcement in preparation for the mass of partygoers heading to Savannah, Ga., for the annual weeklong St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

There were no fatalities, serious injuries or serious collisions in the areas where Patrol concentrated its manpower, including S.C. 170, U.S. 278, U.S. 17 alternate and I-95 – the main South Carolina routes leading into the Savannah, Ga., area. The Highway Patrol and State Transport Police worked together to issue around 960 citations, including everything from speeding to open containers. DPS officers issued more than 40 drug citations and 10 DUI citations.

"I believe the increased presence of the Highway Patrol and State Transport Police made a difference," said Col. Ralph Mobley, Highway Patrol commander. "It had been well-publicized going into this weekend that enforcement would be increased, and I think that makes people think twice before getting behind the wheel and breaking the law."

The Highway Patrol worked 15 collisions in the Beaufort and Jasper county areas over this same weekend last year, six involving personal injury. The Patrol worked 13 collisions this year, and only one involved personal injury.

In April, the Highway Patrol will once again increase its manpower in the same area to help with traffic control for the Heritage Golf Tournament on Hilton Head Island April 12-15. Extra troopers will be devoted to U.S. 278, S.C. 170 and the Cross Island Parkway.

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