FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 31, 2003

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8409

HIGHWAY PATROL TROOPERS WILL BE OUT IN FORCE FOR NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol will join local law enforcement throughout the state conducting public safety checkpoints and increasing patrols during the New Year’s holiday. The statewide Sober or Slammer campaign, geared toward preventing drunken driving through strong enforcement and public information, wraps up January 4, which officially marks the end of the New Year’s travel holiday.  

“New Year’s is one of our busiest enforcement holidays because of the increased likelihood that motorists will drink and drive after holiday parties and celebrations,” said Highway Patrol Col. Russell Roark. “Our troopers will be extra vigilant for signs of drunken drivers on our highways. We urge motorists to plan ahead and designate a driver or plan to spend some time behind bars this holiday season.”

The last time New Year’s fell on a Thursday was 1997 when 14 people were killed on the highways during the 102-hour travel period. Four people were killed during last year’s 30-hour travel period.

All available troopers, including many headquarters staff, will be working the roads.

The Sober or Slammer campaign kicked off December 19 with increased enforcement statewide. The enforcement period for the Christmas/New Year's 2003-2004 SOS blitz is scheduled for December 19, 2003 - January 4, 2004. State and local law enforcement agencies will focus on detecting DUI violations and apprehending the violators before they can cause a crash.

Last year in South Carolina, 428 people were killed in 387 collisions with a contributing factor of DUI.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol reminds motorists to take precautions to avoid an arrest or collision associated with impaired driving:

·         Don’t risk it. If you plan to drive, don’t drink or use any drugs.

·         Choose a sober designated driver before celebrating.

·         Take mass transit, a taxicab or ask a friend to drive you home.

·         Spend the night where the activity is being held.

·         Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.

·         Always wear your safety belt.

So far, 952 people have died on South Carolina highways this year compared to 1,048 last year.

For more information on Sober or Slammer, please visit www.soberorslammer.com.

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