April 14, 2003
CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755
COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces a preliminary number of 10 people killed on South Carolina highways from Friday, April l1, at 6 p.m. until Sunday, April 13, at midnight.
Seven people died in five separate single-vehicle collisions. One person died in a three-vehicle collision. Two motorcyclists, neither of whom was wearing a helmet, died in separate collisions after colliding with other vehicles.
As of April 13, 195 people had died on South Carolina highways, compared to 268 last year at this time. Of the 164 motor vehicle occupants who have died in 2003, 115 were not wearing seat belts.
On Saturday, DPS held the annual Memorial Service for Highway Fatality Victims in West Columbia to remember the 1,053 people who died in traffic crashes on South Carolina roads last year. Families and friends of these victims joined DPS and law enforcement officers from across the state to remember their loved ones and to gather with others who share in similar tragedies. More than 850 people attended the service.
|
Interstates |
2 |
|
US routes, SC routes and secondary roads |
8 |
|
Seat belt used |
1 |
|
Seat belt not used |
5 |
|
Seat belt usage unknown |
2 |
|
Seat belt usage not applicable |
2 (motorcyclists – no helmets) |
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/31/2003