FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2002
CONTACT: Sid Gaulden, 803-896-8755
COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces a preliminary number of seven people killed on South Carolina highways from Friday, October 11, at 6 p.m. until Sunday, October 13, at midnight.
The oldest person who died in a traffic collision this weekend was 31. Three of those who were killed were 17. Speed is believed to be a factor in at least four of the fatal collisions.
A motorcyclist died early Saturday morning in Sumter County after running off the road and striking several poles. One person died early Saturday morning in Lexington County after running off the road and striking several trees. Another motorcyclist was killed Saturday afternoon in Anderson County after running off the road and striking a ditch. Two people died Saturday afternoon in Greenville County after striking an oncoming vehicle and then running off the road. A third motorcyclist died Saturday night in Williamsburg County after running off the road and striking a parked tractor trailer. One person died Sunday morning in Greenville County after running off the road into a pond.
As of October 13, 801 people had died on South Carolina highways, compared to 832 last year at this time. Of the 638 motor vehicle occupants who have died so far this year, 458 were not wearing seat belts.
|
Interstates |
0 |
|
US routes, SC routes and secondary roads |
7 |
|
Seat belt used |
2 |
|
Seat belt not used |
2 |
|
Seat belt usage not applicable |
3 motorcyclists (1 with helmet, 2 with no helmet) |
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Criminal Justice Academy, Division of Motor Vehicles, Highway Patrol, Office of Highway Safety, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services and Office of Justice Programs. DPS has more than 2,600 employees in offices statewide. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.
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JB/126/2002
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