FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2002
CONTACT: Sid Gaulden, 803-896-8755

FATALITY REPORT: DPS REPORTS SIX KILLED
ON SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAYS OCTOBER 18-20

COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces a preliminary number of six people killed on South Carolina highways from Friday, October 18, at 6 p.m. until Sunday, October 20, at midnight.

One man died after his vehicle ran off the road, struck a tree and overturned as a result of another motorist striking his vehicle from behind. One person died after her vehicle ran into a ditch and she was ejected. Two people died in a single collision when their vehicle struck a tree. A pedestrian died after someone ran off the shoulder of the road and struck her from behind. One woman died her vehicle hit a pole.

So far, 827 people have died this year compared to 851 last year at this time. Of those 827 who have died so far this year, 473 were not wearing their seatbelts.

Interstates	1
US routes, SC routes and secondary roads	5
Seat belt used	2
Seat belt not used	3
Seat belt usage not applicable	1

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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