FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 22, 2001

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

HIGHWAY PATROL INCREASES ENFORCEMENT IN AIKEN COUNTY

COLUMBIA - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Highway Patrol announces that it will begin a concentrated enforcement effort in the Aiken County area beginning June 24 and running through the heavily traveled July 4 and Labor Day holidays until September 24. The effort is in response to the high number of traffic fatalities in the county; 20 people have died on Aiken County highways this year, compared to 21 fatalities for the entire year of 2000.

"The fatality numbers in Aiken County have soared this year -- particularly in the last couple of months," said District 1 Capt. Russell Roark. "We are concerned, and we are focusing our enforcement resources toward this area particularly during the historically deadly summer travel period, which includes July 4 and Labor Day."

The causes of the deadly crashes in Aiken County vary from aggressive driving and driving under the influence to inattention and speed. Five people who died this year were involved in two-vehicle crashes. Three of the fatalities involved commercial motor vehicles. The remaining 12 fatalities all occurred as a result of single-vehicle crashes. Twelve people who died were not wearing seat belts.

"We are here today to try to drive home the point that people can never relax for a minute behind the wheel," said Aiken County Coroner Sue Townsend "The best insurance policy you have against becoming another highway fatality is driving defensively and buckling up every time you get into the car."

Memorial Day weekend began the 100 deadly days of summer when highway traffic fatalities and collisions tend to peak.

Troopers in Aiken County will focus their enforcement on areas showing the highest number of collisions and fatalities. The following are some locations where enforcement will be increased: I-20, US 78, US 25, SC302, SC 125 and SC191.

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