FATALITY REPORT: DPS REPORTS NINE KILLED

ON SC HIGHWAYS DURING LABOR DAY WEEKEND

COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces a preliminary number of nine people killed on South Carolina highways during the Labor Day weekend, which began Friday, August 30, at 6 p.m. and ended Monday, September 2, at midnight. Last year, 14 people died on South Carolina highways during the Labor Day weekend holiday period.

Three people died in separate two-vehicle collisions. Six people, including one motorcyclist, died in five separate single-vehicle collisions. Of the eight motor vehicle occupants who were killed, only one was properly restrained. Another was wearing a shoulder belt only and the rest of those who died were not wearing seat belts.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day this year, 291 people have died in traffic collisions on South Carolina roads, compared to 319 during the same time period last year. The period from Memorial Day to Labor Day is commonly referred to as the 100 deadly days of summer.

As of September 3, 687 people had died on South Carolina highways, compared to 713 last year at this time. Of the 555 motor vehicle occupants who were killed, 403 were not wearing seat belts.

Interstates	2
US routes, SC routes and secondary roads	7
Seat belt used	2 (1 used a shoulder belt only)
Seat belt not used	6
Seat belt usage not applicable	1 (motorcyclist, no helmet)

During the Labor Day holiday weekend, the Highway Patrol:

· investigated 991 collisions, 67 of which were alcohol-related;

· made 227 DUI arrests;

· issued 7,429 speeding citations;

· issued 1,029 seat belt citations;

· issued 171 child restraint citations; and

· assisted 1,525 motorists.

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JB/111/02

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