FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 8, 2001

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

SCHP STEPS UP ENFORCEMENT EFFORT IN RICHLAND COUNTY

COLUMBIA - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces that the Highway Patrol will conduct a stepped up enforcement effort Friday, Aug. 10, from noon until 8 p.m. in Richland County. During this time period 28 troopers will focus their enforcement efforts in school zones and in high-collision areas throughout the county.

The increased enforcement efforts, which coincide with the start of the school year in Richland County, will focus on high-traffic areas near high schools where young, inexperienced drivers tend to be involved in a high number of collisions. During school hours Friday two troopers will be assigned to each high school in Richland County for traffic enforcement purposes.

"The Highway Patrol consistently receives reports from parents and motorists about speeding and reckless driving in areas where our children should be the safest - around our schools," said Capt. Russell Roark, HP District 1. "We are making a commitment to increase our visibility in those areas to make sure our children get back to school safely."

These 28 troopers also will focus their stepped up enforcement along Two Notch Road, Broad River Road and I-20, which are among the most heavily traveled roads in Richland County. These roads also have a high number of collisions. Friday afternoons and evenings are historically the peak collision times for these roads.

"We will be strictly enforcing all motor vehicle laws but we hope our high visibility also will have a deterrent effect," Roark said. "Our presence on the roads will serve as a reminder to the public to do its part in reducing traffic collisions by obeying all traffic laws. The best insurance policy you have against becoming another highway fatality is driving defensively and buckling up every time you get into the car."

EDITOR’S NOTE: There will be a special briefing Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Richland County Highway Patrol Office at 1626 Shop Road for the 28 troopers participating in this special enforcement effort. The troopers will then leave for their respective enforcement areas, offering a photo opportunity for the media. Capt. Roark also will be available for interviews immediately following the briefing.

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JB/111/2001

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