FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 26, 2003

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8409

HIGHWAY PATROL GEARS UP FOR HEAVY THANKSGIVING TRAVEL;

REMINDS MOTORISTS OF INCREASED ENFORCEMENT

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol reminds motorists that troopers will be out in force over the 102-hour Thanksgiving holiday travel period starting tomorrow. Troopers will join local law enforcement statewide, paying special attention to roadways that statistically yield the most collisions and fatalities and concentrating manpower on Wednesday and Sunday – the heaviest travel days.

Nine people were killed on South Carolina highways last year during the Thanksgiving holidays, and 16 were killed in 2001. So far, 854 people have died on South Carolina highways this year compared to 933 at this time last year. Of the 676 vehicle occupants killed (excluding pedestrians, motorcyclists etc.), 470 were unbuckled.

“Thanksgiving is a traditional family holiday, which always means major travel congestion on the interstates and other busy secondary routes,” said Highway Patrol Commander Col. Russell Roark. “The increased congestion, mixed with the long weekend, typically drives up the collision and fatality numbers. We are reminding motorists through enforcement and the media that buckling up is the single most important factor in protecting themselves on the highways.”

All available troopers, including many headquarters staff, will be working the roads. Other special enforcement will concentrate on trouble spots in the state including I-85 in Greenville and Spartanburg counties; I-95 in Sumter and Clarendon counties; I-95 in Florence and Dillon; and I-95 in Jasper County. The ACE Team, the Highway Patrol’s drug interdiction unit, also will step up enforcement, particularly on I-85 and I-95 during this time.

The enforcement portion of the Buckle Up, South Carolina, campaign will end on November 30. However, motorists may still take the pledge to wear their safety belts at participating convenience stories, Chick-Fil-As and through the www.buckleupsc.com web site, qualifying them to win one of several prizes. The drawing for the prizes will be held on December 22.

The Highway Patrol reminds motorists that in addition to buckling up, they need to be aware of the travel dangers posed by long trips. Motorists are encouraged to make use of rest areas, stopping at least every two hours on long trips to battle fatigue; ensuring their vehicle is in good working condition, checking tire pressure, oil and other fluids; and motorists are encouraged to stop only at well-lighted areas and to be especially aware of their surroundings (see attached safety tips).

Attention media: Highway Patrol CROs throughout the state have scheduled special media availabilities throughout the week leading into Thanksgiving and for Sunday. Please contact the CRO in your area to set up an interview regarding holiday travel (see attached list -- http://www.scdps.org/oea/primary_cro.html).

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