May 27, 2003
CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755
COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces a preliminary number of 12 people killed on South Carolina highways during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, which ran from Friday, May 23, at 6 p.m. until Monday, May 26, at midnight. Twelve people also died during the Memorial Day weekend last year.
Seven motorcyclists died in collisions over the weekend. Five of those died in Horry County while attending the Atlantic Beach Bikefest. The other two motorcyclists died Saturday in collisions in Aiken and Sumter Counties.
One person was killed Friday evening in a single-vehicle collision in Kershaw County. One person died early Sunday morning in a single-vehicle collision in York County. One person died Sunday afternoon in a two-vehicle collision in Lee County. One person was killed Sunday evening in a head-on collision with another vehicle in York County. One person died Monday evening in a single-vehicle collision in Greenville County. None of the motor vehicle occupants who died were buckled up.
As of May 26, 329 people had died on South Carolina highways, compared to 398 last year at this time. Of the 261 motor vehicle occupants who have died in 2003, 180 were not wearing seat belts.
|
Interstates |
0 |
|
US routes, SC routes and secondary roads |
12 |
|
Seat belt used |
0 |
|
Seat belt not used |
5 |
|
Seat belt usage not applicable |
7 (motorcyclists) |
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.
-- 30 --
JB/44/03