FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 27, 2004

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-600-8119

or your local SCHP Community Relations Officer

 

 “100 DEADLY DAYS OF SUMMER” BEGIN THIS WEEKEND;

MOTORISTS ADVISED TO SLOW DOWN, BUCKLE UP

 

COLUMBIA – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety announces that the Highway Patrol will continue to work with fellow law enforcement throughout the state this weekend focusing on high crash corridors and heavily congested areas as the official summer travel season kicks off tonight.

 

Motorists are urged to use extra caution when traveling in the Pee Dee/Horry County area where thousands of motorcyclists will converge for the Atlantic Beach Bike Festival expected this year to draw between 250,000-350,000 people. Motorists traveling to the Grand Strand area but not planning to attend Bikefest events are encouraged to use alternate routes in and around this area during the festival, which runs from May 26-30.

 

In 2004, there were 206 highway deaths during the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Last year, nine people died over the 78-hour Memorial Day travel period; eight of those were vehicle occupants and only one person was restrained. One motorcyclist, not wearing a helmet, was killed. South Carolina has had 23 more fatalities this year than at this time in 2004, with 426 people killed so far this year compared to 403 at this time last year.

 

Safety officials call the period from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day the “100 Deadly Days of Summer” because traffic fatalities and collisions rise as the highways become increasingly congested with vacationers and an influx of out-of-state travelers. South Carolina is especially hard hit because of its tourism draw.

 

Impaired drivers are of specific concern and focus for law enforcement during this time when more people are attending summer parties and other festivities where alcohol will be served.

 

Troopers and law enforcement will continue increased patrols focused on high-crash corridors as part of the Buckle Up, South Carolina campaign, which runs until June 5.

 

Driver error resulting from poor judgment, inattention and carelessness is the primary contributing factor in 90 percent of collisions. Speeding, failure to yield right of way and driving under the influence consistently account for the greatest number of citations issued by law enforcement. 

 

“Drivers have the greatest control over whether or not they will become a highway death statistic,” said Colonel Russell Roark, Highway Patrol Commander. “If you are careful, buckle up and drive within the posted speed limits, you tremendously reduce your chances of being involved in a fatal collision.”

 

(Attention media: South Carolina Highway Patrol Community Relations Officers will be available today for media interviews regarding summer travel. Please contact your local CRO to set up an interview http://www.schp.org/cro.asp).

 

--30--