FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 10, 2003

CONTACT: Sid Gaulden, 803-896-8755

FATALITY REPORT: DPS REPORTS EIGHT KILLED

ON SOUTH CAROLINA HIGHWAYS FEB. 7-9

COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces a preliminary number of eight people killed on South Carolina highways from Friday, February 7, at 6 p.m. until Sunday, February 9, at midnight.

One person died after running off the road and striking several trees early Saturday morning in Horry County. One person was killed when the vehicle in which he was riding ran off the road and overturned Saturday morning in Kershaw County. Two people died after colliding with another vehicle Saturday afternoon in Oconee County. One person died after running off the road and striking a tree Saturday night in Lancaster County. One person died after running off the road and striking a tree Saturday night in Horry County. One person died after running off the road and striking a bridge Saturday night in Lancaster County. One person died after running off the road and striking a tree Sunday night in Aiken County. None of those killed was wearing a seat belt.

So far, 63 people have died on South Carolina highways this year compared to 96 last year at this time last year.

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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